Finance Secretary John Swinney has announced a Green Economy and Skills investment package, including £30 million for energy efficiency and low carbon schemes, and the creation of an Energy Skills Academy.
The package will deliver a new employer recruitment initiative which will create up to 10,000 opportunities for small and medium enterprises to recruit young people.
The money will also be used to establish a Energy Skills Academy to support the creation of skills in oil and gas, renewables, thermal generation, and carbon capture and storage.
The package also includes an expansion of energy efficiency measures and new active travel measure to develop community cycling infrastructure.
Minster for Environment and Climate Change Paul Wheelhouse said:
“The Green Stimulus package should leave nobody in any doubt about this government’s green credentials. Despite clear pressures on public finances, we have ensured that environmental measures are at the heart of this budget, delivering multiple environmental, economic and health benefits.
“From bold and creative cycling solutions – building on the momentum of Scottish Olympic success and in the run up to the Commonwealth Games – to peatland restoration and a range of energy efficiency measures, the green package will play a pivotal role in supporting our nation’s economic recovery.
“The green package also includes a range of measures to promote energy efficiency both in the private sector – helping hard-pressed households cope with rising bills – and in the public sector where greater energy efficiency will save money for the public purse.”
Energy Minister Fergus Ewing said:
“Scotland’s energy industry leads the world, with more than half the value of the North Sea’s oil and gas reserves remaining and astounding green energy potential.
“We have a responsibility to make sure our nation seizes this opportunity to create tens of thousands of new jobs and secure billions of pounds of investment in our economy.
“We have listened to the needs of industry and we are committed to building on our already world-leading energy skills.
“This Energy Skills Academy will help many more people learn the skills they need to play a part in Scotland’s energy future. “
Minister for Youth Employment Angela Constance said:
“Energy has played a fundamental role in Scotland’s industrial past, but will also be vital to its future.
“As we work towards opening up more and better employment opportunities for our young people, we must ensure such opportunities exist in our key growth areas. The demand from the sector already exists, the Energy Skills Academy will ensure we can meet that demand.”
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Press release, September 21, 2012; Image: Scottish Government