A new £2.3 million Technology and Innovation Centre has opened at UHI North, West, and Hebrides‘ Stornoway campus.
The modernised facility will give the college capacity to increase the number of learners on campus and expand its curriculum in areas such as renewable energy, engineering, construction and the built environment, sustainability and net zero.
The centre features modern training facilities for engineering students and apprentices – including virtual welding simulators; a Future Energy Lab supporting research in renewable energy technologies; and facilities for primary and secondary school pupils to gain hands-on experience in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) subjects.
UHI North, West, and Hebrides sad that the investment will allow it to support the just transition to net zero and also the skilled workforce needed by employers, developers, and major investors in the renewable energy sector throughout Scotland.
Across the curriculum, the college offers a range of qualifications available to study on campus, in work, and online, to support a talent pipeline for the energy sector. It is working with 26 employers in the Outer Hebrides to deliver modern apprenticeships to around 90 apprentices across carpentry and joinery, electrical engineering, and fabrication and welding, including 27 employed by Navantia UK, operators of the Arnish Yard.
UHI North, West and Hebrides – a partner in the Creed Hydrogen Skills and Innovation Centre – is also the only provider of Scotland’s only SQA recognised qualification for engineering technicians dedicated to hydrogen.
The creation of the centre was supported with funding from the Scottish Government through the Islands Growth Deal (£1.5 million) and the Islands Programme Fund (£250,000), Highlands and Islands Enterprise (£250,000), Comhairle nan Eilean Siar (£236,000), and UHI (£102,000).
Scotland’s deputy first minister Kate Forbes said, “These facilities will equip people from the islands with skills to grasp the career opportunities afforded by renewable energy. The centre will help rural communities to thrive by helping them to attract and retain more young people.
“It is the first project to be completed within the Islands Growth Deal, which has been supported with £50 million from the Scottish Government. The deal aims to drive growth and create up to 1,300 jobs across Orkney, Shetland and the Outer Hebrides by boosting housing, tourism, creative industries and renewable energy.”
Lydia Rohmer, principal and chief executive of UHI North, West, and Hebrides, added, “The once-in-a-generation strategic investment associated with green energy and the just transition to net zero in the Outer Hebrides is set to drive increased demand for skills based vocational courses and apprenticeships, continuous professional development, as well as undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications. This investment ensures our campus has the engineering, technology and innovation facilities required by industry, and strengthens our capacity to support STEM skills and meet both current and emergent workforce needs from island-based, national and international employers, investors and developers. It will allow more people to study, live and access high value jobs locally, and further positions UHI North, West and Hebrides as the go-to academic provider for education, skills and research for the energy sector.”
Councillor Paul Steele, leader of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, commented, “It is hugely pleasing to see the Technology and Innovation Centre at UHI North, West and Hebrides opened. For the island to fully benefit from future major developments it is vital that we invest in the development of a highly-skilled local workforce. This new facility will allow individuals the opportunity to live in the Outer Hebrides while receiving high quality education and training in areas specific to key local growth sectors. I would like to congratulate all involved in taking the project to this stage and our Islands Growth Deal partners for their continued work in achieving real economic benefits for our islands.”
UHI North, West, and Hebrides will be holding a series of open afternoons at the Technology and Innovation Centre throughout May for members of the public, employers, and prospective students to tour the facilities and find out more about studying engineering.
