Scotland awards £1.7m to support offshore wind skills development

• 23 June 2026
• Corporate, Government, Windfarms
• Scottish Government

The Scottish Government has awarded almost £1.7 million to three projects aimed at strengthening the workforce needed to support the country's growing offshore wind sector.

Funding from the Offshore Wind Skills Programme will support the creation of a regional skills hub in the Highlands and Islands, expand engineering construction training and provide additional offshore wind related courses through North East Scotland College.

The three successful projects will receive a combined £1.68 million, with the University of the Highlands and Islands awarded £1.17 million, the Engineering Construction Industry Training Board £372,842 and North East Scotland College £135,162.

Energy Minister Stephen Gethins stated: “By bringing businesses together with education and skills providers, the Offshore Wind Skills Programme is the kind of smart, co-ordinated approach we need to shape the future of our renewables sector”.

The announcement comes as Scotland continues to position itself as a major hub for offshore wind development, with industry estimating the sector could support up to 49,000 jobs across the country.

Further funding awards are expected to be considered through 2026 and 2027 under the £3.85 million Offshore Wind Skills Programme.

For more information about offshore wind farm projects across the globe, click here.