The UK Shared Prosperity Funding will be combined with other employability funds to create an Individual Green Skills Training Fund, enabling Aberdeen residents to apply for financial support for training in green job-linked areas.   

Councillor Christian Allard, co-leader of Aberdeen City Council, unveiled the new Green Skills Training and Support Fund, which will help people gain the skills needed for jobs in the growing green economy.   

Councillor Allard said: “The Green Skills Fund is a vital step in supporting people in Aberdeen to access opportunities in the green economy. By investing in skills today, we are helping to secure a sustainable future for our city.  

“This fund will open doors for people to gain qualifications in areas that are critical to achieving net zero. We’re proud to work with local training providers to make these opportunities accessible to everyone.”  

Applicants will identify the type of training they seek, its cost, and whether they can contribute financially. Contributions are not mandatory, and ABZWorks keyworkers will assist unemployed applicants. 

Under UKSPF rules, ABZWorks can support both employed individuals looking to upskill or re-skill and unemployed residents seeking new qualifications.  Following a procurement exercise, ABZWorks has contracted local providers to deliver training across a range of specialisms, including:

• Welding  
• Property retrofitting 
• Energy and hydrogen technologies 
• Construction 
• Plumbing, with a focus on heat pump.  

Training providers include North East Scotland College, NESFIT, Tullos Training, and others, with courses valued at, £58,350 and 71 training places secured.   

This initiative builds on the success of the Oil and Gas Transition Training Fund, jointly funded by the UK and Scottish Governments and managed by Skills Development Scotland.