Fife Chamber takes skills shortages debate to Scottish Parliament
The future of Fife's renewable energy industry is under threat due to skills shortages MSP's were told last week.
Carnegie College Principal, Prof Bill McIntosh and Fife Chamber of Commerce President Bill Garmory joined forces to provide the politicians with an overview of the specific challenges under the current system to developing and investing a skilled workforce for the renewable energy sector in Fife.
Hosted by Mid Scotland and Fife MSP, John Park, the meeting also included members of the Cross Party Group on Skills and looked at a range of issues, including looking at investment in college engineering courses for the renewable energy sector. Carnegie College is currently one of the UK-leaders in wind power, with huge future potential for wave and tidal, biomass and solar energy systems - but without more investment the college is facing growing competition from further education colleges in the north-east of England.
Fife Chamber of Commerce flagged up the lack of support for businesses to invest in apprentices and the skilled workforce needed for the sector. The Chamber of Commerce said that the high costs of investing in skilled engineering apprentices can be off-putting for many small businesses and can prevent them from participating in an expanding market worth millions to the economy.
Speaking after the event John Park MSP said: "It is clear from today's meeting that these highly skilled jobs are vital to being able to develop this industry in Fife. With Carnegie College at the forefront and the great work being done by Fife-based companies we have a great opportunity to make Fife a renewables energy centre. It is my hope that this meeting marks the beginning of a journey to secure the renewable energy sector's future here in Fife. It's a simple equation. You need people with the right skills to allow a sector to grow. Promising more renewable energy is not enough - the right investment in training must be brought forward now."
The meeting comes at a time when Renewables UK has highlighted the need for increased investment in offshore energy skills, stating that the UK needs the right infrastructure and training to match the growing need for energy to be produced offshore.
Bob Garmory, President of Fife Chamber of Commerce added: "There are predictions that as many as 60,000 new jobs could be created in renewable energy in Scotland and as many as 29,000 from wind energy projects alone. If Scotland and Fife is to ensure we maximise the potential of job creation locally then we have to invest in the development of key skills now. Carnegie College has pioneered training specifically for the Wind Energy sector alongside key employers and Colleges across Scotland require more funding from the Government for this key growth area. We will continue to press for support to ensure Fife get its share of the new jobs in the renewable energy industries."
Fife Chamber has been working with our Premier Partners to raise these concerns and the above presentation took place as a follow up to one of our regular meetings with local MSP's. The discussions also included representatives of key industry players such as Siemens UK, Repower and BiFab. For further information contact Alan Russell, Chief Executive alanrussell@fifechamber.co.uk
