Dr Alasdair Allan, MSP, Acting Minister for Climate Action, met with Joanna Campbell, Principal of Dumfries and Galloway College, and Depute Principal Douglas Dickson, on Friday 28 February to explore the college’s development as a centre of excellence for developing the new skills and experience needed to enable employee and employer skills to be developed in net zero.
Explaining the importance of the drive to net zero and the college’s pioneering spirit, Dr Allan commented: “The global transition to net zero brings with it opportunities to grow Scotland’s economy and transform the way we live and work. That’s why the Scottish Government is committed to getting there in a way that is fair and leaves no one behind.
“I have today witnessed first-hand the hard work of Dumfries and Galloway College to playing their part in responding to the climate emergency by providing young people with the essential skills needed to secure good, green jobs for the future.
The college has launched a series of courses introducing students to the world of climate action and developed a net zero academy. The courses range from heat pumps to wind turbine, and solar PV to electric vehicle charging.
The Minister toured the green energy classrooms, and spoke to students about their experiences and career hopes. He witnessed a demonstration of the electric vehicle charging points, wind turbine training, heat pump collaboration work and augmented reality welding.
Ms Campbell explained that some 700 or so students have gained qualifications to date and 250 are currently engaged in courses. She said: “As a college we took the decision that we had to be pro-active in designing courses that met the new demands of the world we live in, and help our young people to develop the skills to enter net zero employment. There are
already significant career opportunities in various areas related to net zero in our region, and there are more emerging each year.
“We are very proud that the college and the Dumfries and Galloway region is leading the way with students coming to the area from across Scotland and the north of England, and in developing partnerships across the industry and local and national business sector to ensure that these skills and experience translate into driving the net zero change the country is seeking.”
Dr Allan welcomed the pioneering work going on in Dumfries and pledged government support to supporting the development of skills needed to effect positive action on climate change. He added: “We are continuing to work in partnership with the sector to ensure that the appropriate support and training provision are aligned locally with business needs and future demands.”