West Lothian College has officially partnered 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 partner organisations attended the 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 Scotland’s decarbonisation ambitions.

Skills development and workforce growth are a priority for the Scottish Government, and Warmstart aims to create a sustainable pipeline of future talent that will play a key role in the transition to net zero.

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.  

“It is a strong reflection of West Lothian College’s commitment to delivering high quality, student-centred education that responds directly to the needs of our communities and the economy. By working closely with industry partners, we are equipping students with relevant, future focused skills that lead to sustainable employment.

“This partnership demonstrates the College’s leadership in tackling national priorities through local action and reinforces our role as a trusted partner of choice.” 

Scott Paton, director, Sureserve Energy Services, said: “This new partnership with Warmstart and West Lothian College is an excellent opportunity that Sureserve are really pleased to be a key part of. This collaboration will help create green jobs for the future and help drive Scotland’s progress towards a net zero workforce.
 
“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. That can only be a good thing.”

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.

“Our partnership with West Lothian College and Sureserve Energy Services is bringing together education and employers in a way that ensures people are being trained for the jobs needed for a net zero future.”