A new partnership has been launched with the aim of giving students in West Lothian access to better employment and skills development opportunities.
West Lothian College has teamed up with energy-efficiency specialists Warmworks and Sureserve Energy Services to help tackle skills shortages in the industries needed to support Scotland’s transition to net zero.
Students will benefit from training, work placements, site visits, talks and mentoring, all designed to help more people access apprenticeships and other opportunities related to the future net zero workforce.
Leaders from the three organisations attended a launch event, held at West Lothian College in Livingston, along with key stakeholders from across the retrofit, energy efficiency, and education sectors.
At a time when the number of new apprenticeships, particularly in trades like insulation, is low, the partnership aims to create a more coordinated approach to developing employment pathways linked to decarbonisation ambitions.
The partnership has been set up through Warmstart, an employability initiative delivered by Warmworks that helps people develop skills and find workplace opportunities in the energy efficiency and low-carbon heat sector.
Hazel Brady, principal and CEO (interim), West Lothian College, said, “We are delighted to be working in partnership with Warmworks and Sureserve Energy Services, demonstrating the power of education and industry working together to ensure people gain the skills, confidence and experience needed for the jobs that will shape a net zero future. This partnership brings our vision to life, combining student focused education, strong employer collaboration and real impact for our region.”
Scott Paton, director, Sureserve Energy Services, added, “Being able to provide real life experience and on the job learning for students is one of the best ways an organisation like ours can do our bit, and having official routes like this partnership means those opportunities will be easier to access.”
John Renwick, communities manager, Warmworks, said, “Developing the skilled workforce needed to deliver Scotland’s ambitions for decarbonisation is one of the biggest challenges facing the energy efficiency sector. Warmstart is creating clear, practical routes into employment by giving learners access to real‑world experience and industry‑led training.”
