SSEN Transmission has confirmed that its new £150 million state-of-the-art training centre will be built at Thainstone Business Park near Inverurie in Aberdeenshire, marking a major investment in skills, jobs and the future of Scotland’s electricity network.
The project will establish a dedicated training hub for the company’s workforce and contractor partners, supporting the operation, maintenance and development of the high-voltage transmission network across the north of Scotland.
The purpose-built facility will become the latest addition to Thainstone Business Park, owned by ANM Group, and forms part of SSEN Transmission’s wider £29 billion investment programme to upgrade and strengthen the electricity transmission network that will enable the delivery of the UK’s clean energy ambitions.
Once operational, the training centre will support hundreds of trainees each year, helping meet growing demand for skilled workers by providing hands-on experience across a range of realistic operational scenarios. The facility will feature specialist training equipment and capabilities designed to prepare the next generation of engineers and technical specialists responsible for developing, operating and maintaining the transmission network.
When first announced in June, the new training centre was welcomed by the First Minister, John Swinney; Aberdeenshire Council Co-Leaders, Cllr Stewart Adams and Cllr Anne Stirling; and the CEO of Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce, Russell Borthwick.
WATCH: Learn more from SSEN Transmission Network Director Dave McKay about the new training centre
Around 10 permanent roles are expected to be based at the facility, including training, operational and support staff. These will be supported by experienced local engineers and external tutors, helping to deliver a high-quality training programme and create opportunities for people entering the energy sector or transitioning into new careers.
The Thainstone training centre near Inverurie will complement and enhance existing training provision at SSEN Transmission’s Faskally Training Centre in Perth. Purpose-built for the needs of a modern transmission network operator, the new site will combine classroom-based learning with practical training environments featuring both existing and emerging technologies. It will also provide dedicated space for innovation and the testing of new approaches before they are deployed on the live network.
The investment further reflects SSEN Transmission’s continued growth as it delivers an unprecedented programme of network upgrades across the north of Scotland. Having recently welcomed its 3,000th employee and in the process of recruitment for 500 new jobs by the end of March 2027, the company continues to expand its workforce and develop the skills needed to support a secure, affordable and low-carbon energy future.
Dave McKay, Network Director at SSEN Transmission, said: “Confirming Thainstone as the home of our new training centre is a significant milestone for SSEN Transmission and a major investment in the people and skills that will be essential to delivering the energy transition.
“As we continue to invest in the electricity network needed for the future, having a dedicated facility where colleagues and contractor partners can develop practical skills in a safe, modern and realistic environment will be invaluable.
“Aberdeenshire has a proud engineering heritage and a highly skilled workforce, making Thainstone an ideal location for this new facility. As well as supporting hundreds of trainees each year, the centre will bring wider benefits to local businesses and communities while helping ensure we have the talent and expertise required to maintain and develop the network for decades to come.”
Grant Rogerson, Chief Executive of the ANM Group Ltd, said “We are delighted that SSEN Transmission has chosen Thainstone as the preferred location for this important new training facility, which represents a significant endorsement of both the location and the opportunities that exist here for future investment and growth.
“SSEN Transmission’s plans for this facility are a welcome step forward in our long-term vision for Thainstone. The development aligns with our ambitions and has the potential to create long-term, wider economic value for the area. We look forward to continuing to work with SSEN Transmission as their plans progress.”
The new training centre is also expected to generate additional economic activity in the local area, supporting shops, hospitality businesses and other services through increased visitor numbers and operational activity associated with the facility.
Members of the public will have the opportunity to learn more about the plans and share their views at forthcoming consultation events, which will take place in The Bothy Function Suite, Thainstone, between 3pm and 7pm on Wednesday 23 September and Tuesday 27 October.