A NEW state-of-the-art £150 million training centre is to be built in the north-east of Scotland by SSEN Transmission in a bid to support the next generation of engineers.
Unveiling the plans for the training centre on Monday, SSEN said the facility will create 10 jobs and help train hundreds of engineers to help deliver the upgrades needed to meet Scotland’s clean energy ambitions.
The proposed facility in Aberdeenshire is part of SSE’s £29 billion wider investment programme to help strengthen the north of Scotland’s electricity infrastructure.
First Minister John Swinney said the announcement of the training centre, which will run along with the existing Faskally Training Centre in Perth, is a “significant investment in the future” of the north east of Scotland.
“A dedicated facility to develop the specialist skills needed to build, operate and maintain the high-voltage electricity network of tomorrow will play a key role in our energy future,” he said.
“The north east is already home to world-class technical expertise built over decades in the energy sector and this hub will help to make sure that expertise continues to be at the heart of Scotland's clean power future.
“I am delighted that SSEN Transmission’s new state-of-the-art training facility will contribute to this future.”
Once operational, the training school would support hundreds of trainees each year, helping meet the growing demand for skilled workers by providing hands-on experience across a range of operational scenarios.
Around 10 permanent roles are expected to be based at the facility, including training, operational and support staff and will be complemented by experienced local engineers and external tutors, which SSE says will help to deliver a “high-quality training programme”.
The centre will provide a purpose-built environment tailored specifically to the needs of a modern electricity transmission company and will contain a blend of existing and new technologies and also space where innovation can be tested before deployment.
Dave McKay, network director at SSEN Transmission, said that developing a skilled workforce is needed to help deliver, operate and maintain a “cleaner, more secure and affordable energy future”.
He said: “Our plans for a new training facility in the north east of Scotland reflect our long-term commitment and proud track record of investing in people, skills and the communities we serve.
“Not only will this new hub support the training needs for existing staff, it will also play a key role in supporting a just transition, helping those in high-carbon roles to build the skills needed for low-carbon careers while creating opportunities for new entrants and the next generation of green energy workers.
“By strengthening our training capability, we’ll ensure our teams are equipped to develop, operate and maintain the transmission network for decades to come.”
Public consultation events will take place this year to help shape the design of the new facility, to help inform the planning application.
Subject to all necessary planning approvals, the facility is expected to be delivered in the early 2030s.
In a joint statement, Aberdeenshire Council Co-Leaders, Cllr Stewart Adams and Cllr Anne Stirling, said: “We warmly welcome investment in this new SSEN Transmission training facility, which represents a significant vote of confidence in the north east of Scotland.
“This facility will play an important role in training the workforce of tomorrow, ensuring that our region remains at the heart of the UK’s energy transition.
“By delivering high-quality, industry-led skills development locally, it will create new and lasting employment opportunities while enabling people and businesses to thrive as the energy sector evolves.”
