THE University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) has announced a new international partnership with Canada’s Durham College to support workforce development in the renewable energy sector.
Representatives from the Ontario-based learning institute recently visited Scotland to meet with UHI leaders at UHI House in Inverness, where the two institutions signed a memorandum of understanding and confirmed plans to collaborate on a range of training and education initiatives.
As part of the agreement, UHI and Durham College will launch their first joint initiative – an online renewable energy project management programme, designed to support professionals working in or entering the renewable energy industry. The programme is scheduled to launch this autumn.
The programme will equip learners with the project management knowledge and sector awareness required to support successful delivery of renewable energy projects.
Vicki Nairn, principal and vice-chancellor of UHI, said, “UHI is committed to working with partners around the world to develop the skills needed for the energy transition. Our approach is based on sharing our experience while learning from others working in similar contexts internationally, supporting new and innovative approaches to renewable energy development.”
The partnership follows several months of discussions between the two institutions, exploring opportunities to collaborate on programmes that respond to evolving industry needs.
Robin Young, MD, business and workforce development, corporate training services at Durham College, added, “Partnering with UHI allows us to bring global expertise directly to learners in the renewable energy sector. There is an immediate need for training that equips professionals with the expertise required to drive sustainable energy projects forward, and this collaboration helps us meet that need.”
