UHI Inverness has delivered a specialist trainer course to the local workforce of a global subsea power cable manufacturer.
Staff from Sumitomo, which is building a factory at the Port of Nigg, completed the City & Guilds Introduction to Trainer Skills courses over four days at the Balloch campus, following a successful Skills Development Scotland funding bid.
The programme introduces participants to the concepts of a systematic approach to training, with it designed to develop confident and effective workplace trainers and give participants
Sumitomo is supporting Scotland’s transition to renewable energy ambitions by building a major factory at the Port of Nigg, which is part of the Inverness and Cromarty Firth Green Freeport. The cable manufacturing facility is one of the biggest inward investment projects in the Highlands and will be a major employer in the area.
Carrie Higgins, tertiary education leader at UHI Inverness, said, “Developing skills within our local workforce is an important part of UHI Inverness’s role, and working closely with employers and agencies such as Skills Development Scotland allows us to provide training that responds directly to their needs.
“By helping Sumitomo Electric employees develop the confidence and skills to train others effectively, the benefits will extend well beyond those who took part. We are pleased to support the company’s investment in its people, our region and the green freeport by delivering this course. It highlights the value of partnership working between education providers, employers and skills agencies.”
The training was delivered by curriculum leader for business and creative industries, Nicola Macdonald, and depute curriculum leader Catriona Grant. The funding was secured by the business solutions Team at UHI Inverness.
Nicola said, “This course is an opportunity to develop skills required to be an effective trainer, from communicating positively and structure planning to understanding the needs of a group. We’re pleased that we’ve had very positive early feedback from those who took part.”
UHI is a key strategic partner in the Inverness and Cromarty Firth Green Freeport, contributing to its leadership through board representation and supporting delivery through skills development, research and innovation.
Rikki Keanie, HR business partner at Sumitomo, said, “We are delighted to be able to offer this valuable training to our production team, many of whom experienced the opportunity to train in Japan for six months and are now equipped with the additional tools learned to transfer this unique knowledge and skills onto future colleagues joining the company. We are thankful to both SDS and UHI Inverness for enabling this opportunity.”
Derek Cairns, growth and inward investment at Skills Development Scotland, added, “This programme will help Sumitomo build the skilled workforce needed to support one of the Highlands’ most significant inward investments. Through the Workforce North mission, we are bringing employers and partners together to ensure local people, businesses and communities are ready to benefit from the opportunities created by major investment in renewable energy and construction across the region.”
