AN education centre looking to ‘disrupt’ Scotland’s energy sector has appointed former Bauer Media sales chief Jak Carlin to its board.
Mr Carlin brings a wealth of marketing and business development experience to the advisory role with The Energy Training Academy CIC, having spent eight years at Radio Forth, while he latterly headed up the Scottish sales team at media specialist Global.
From its base on the outskirts of Edinburgh, the academy will deliver Scottish Government-backed initiatives to help youngsters into employment.
More experienced engineers looking to upskill in renewables will also benefit from the social enterprise, which has evolved from a partnership between the Edinburgh Boiler Company (EBC) and HeatFix Scotland.
The ‘unique nature’ of the centre’s offering is what appealed to Mr Carlin, who set up the marketing agency Alleyoop earlier this year. He said, “The revolutionary concept and model of The Energy Training Academy makes it a project I am hugely excited to be a part of. This is an exciting new opportunity I’m really looking forward to, especially in the current climate.
“With people being more aware of their energy consumption due to rising fuel prices, we couldn’t be launching this enterprise at a better time. Discussions are already being had with a number of potential suppliers and manufacturers over exciting partnerships.
“I’m delighted to add another ambitious and disruptive brand to my client base. It’s exciting to be directly involved in the delivery and activation of The Energy Training Academy’s brand, marketing and business development. This facility will offer a wealth of opportunity to the local area and I can’t wait to see the huge impact it has on the community and further afield.”
Once fully open, the centre hopes to produce 100 new engineers each year.
Robbie Broomfield, business growth adviser at Business Gateway Midlothian, added, “Business Gateway Midlothian and the broader Economic Development Team are delighted to continue our support and active engagement with The Energy Training Academy. Their fantastic model and not-for-profit set-up benefits so many people – local people looking to change their career, young people wanting to learn a trade, the general public wishing to be more efficient in their use of heating and installers looking to learn about carbon efficient heating technology.
“And all against the backdrop of developing a more sustainable way of heating our homes and reducing emissions. We look forward to being part of their journey.”
