North East Scotland College has launched a new Workforce Development team to expand support for the region’s employers.
NESCol has a long track record in providing training for individuals and organisations seeking to reskill and upskill across a vast range of disciplines.
The creation of the Workforce Development function is designed to build on that delivery and strengthen the partnerships with employers that help shape an offer which already featured more than 200 part-time courses with a focus on personal and professional development.
Iain Cocker, who leads the team in his role as the College’s Business Development Manager, said: “NESCol works closely with organisations in every sector to ensure training reflects the needs of the North East and we are equipped to adapt and respond to demand. The Workforce Development team is an evolution of the way in which we have been forging those partnerships with employers over a number of decades and we’re excited about this next phase.
“Our established courses have been devised and developed over time to ensure the latest industry trends, advances in technology and legislative changes are incorporated. We also build bespoke programmes, working with employers to identify training needs and provide customised interventions designed to meet specific objectives.”
The new Energy Transition Skills Hub, which welcomed its first full-time students this summer, presents a new opportunity for innovation and will be home to a range of development opportunities for employers and individuals.
The facility, the first of its kind in Scotland, is located adjacent to the College’s existing Aberdeen Altens Campus and within the Skills Campus of the Energy Transition Zone. ETZ Ltd has worked with partners to deliver the project, which is operated by NESCol. It has received funding support from the UK Government and Scottish Government’s Just Transition Fund for the North East and Moray, ETZ, Shell UK and NESCol as well as industry sponsors.
Iain Cocker added: “The Workforce Development team supports every sector in the region and the energy industry is naturally a key focus. The Energy Transition Skills Hub, with cutting-edge equipment and flexible teaching spaces, provides new possibilities that we’re looking forward to bringing to the fore. From welding and fabricating to heat pump technology and charging infrastructure, there are growing and changing skills demands. We’re in a fantastic position to meet those needs and look forward to continuing to play a central role in the North East’s net zero ambitions.”
NESCol is one of the largest providers of vocational education and training in Scotland, delivering to more than 20,000 full-time, part-time and online students each year. The College operates from its main Aberdeen Altens, Aberdeen City and Fraserburgh campuses as well as the Scottish Maritime Academy in Peterhead. In addition to its key role in the Energy Transition Zone, the College collaborates with the Engineering Construction Industry Training Board (ECITB) and is an active member of the Energy Skills Partnership (ESP) and the National Energy Skills Accelerator (NESA).
For further information visit www.nescol.ac.uk/workforce-development or email workforce@nescol.ac.uk.