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Energy Innovation and Ayrshire College sign Franchise Agreement to strengthen offshore wind training in Scotland

– PRESS RELEASE – Energy Innovation Norway has today signed a Franchise Agreement with Ayrshire College. The partnership will strengthen skills, training and education for offshore wind in Scotland, the UK and internationally.

Energy Innovation is proud to announce a new strategic partnership with Ayrshire College. After some months with preparations, the organisations signed a Franchise Agreement. Ayrshire College now joins Energy Innovation’s international franchise network, which already includes franchise partners in the United States, Poland and Sweden.

The partnership was formally signed today. The agreement was also marked at the Norwegian Pavilion during the Scottish Offshore Wind Conference, hosted by Norwegian Energy Partners (NORWEP). Representatives from both Scottish and Norwegian authorities attended the event. This reflects the strong connection between Norway and Scotland in offshore wind and supports the shared ambition to accelerate the energy transition.

Building job-ready competence

Offshore wind is scaling fast. Therefore, the sector needs more people with the right skills. It also needs technicians who are truly job-ready.

Through this partnership, Energy Innovation and Ayrshire College will develop high-quality training pathways. These pathways will include:

  • Global Wind Organisation (GWO) accredited training

  • Wind Technician education

  • Programs for NEET’s as well as re-skilling and up-skilling programs for adults.

  • Wider competence development and partnership with both other franchising partners and T-shore collaborators.

In addition, the partnership will strengthen the link between industry needs and curriculum-based education. As a result, training will better match real operational requirements.

Establishing SWiTEC at Ayrshire College

As part of the agreement, the partners will establish the Scottish Wind Technician Education Centre (SWiTEC) at Ayrshire College.

The centre will support both offshore and onshore wind. It will also help build long-term training capacity in Scotland. Initial training delivery through the partnership is expected from Q2 2026.

Supporting Scotland’s national skills priorities

This collaboration aligns with Action 4 of Scotland’s Offshore Wind Skills Priorities and Action Plan. The plan highlights the need to expand national training capacity for priority roles. At the same time, it encourages stronger collaboration between industry and education providers.

Ayrshire College and Energy Innovation are named in the Action Plan as partners. Together, we will help address key workforce needs in the offshore wind sector.

Energy Secretary, Gillian Martin said:

“The expansion of offshore wind represents a once‑in‑a‑generation opportunity to create more high‑quality jobs that drive growth, foster innovation and generate wealth. Scotland’s Offshore Wind Skills Priorities and Action Plan, developed with industry and key public sector partners, sets out initial actions being taken over the next two years in support of the pipeline of skilled workers which will be needed by the offshore wind sector. I am delighted to see this international collaboration between Ayrshire College and Energy Innovation. Partnerships like this are vital to aligning industry demand with training provision.”

Angela Cox, Principal and Chief Executive of Ayrshire College, said:

“This partnership with Energy Innovation represents an important step in strengthening how education and industry work together to meet the rapidly growing skills demands of offshore wind. By exploring new models of collaboration and training delivery, we aim to create clear, accessible pathways into high-quality jobs while supporting industry growth and economic resilience in our coastal and energy communities.”

Frank Emil Moen, CEO and Managing Partner at Energy Innovation, said:

“Offshore wind is scaling fast, and the industry needs people who are not only qualified, but truly job-ready — with the right safety mindset, technical capability and practical competence. Our partnership with Ayrshire College combines strong vocational education with deep industry alignment and international experience. Together, we will develop high-quality training pathways that meet real workforce needs, reflect recognised standards, and help technicians progress confidently from training into operational roles.”

Looking ahead

This partnership strengthens training capacity. It also supports workforce readiness across Scotland and beyond. Most importantly, it helps ensure that offshore wind growth translates into long-term economic value.

Energy Innovation looks forward to working closely with Ayrshire College. Together, we will develop SWiTEC into a leading training hub for the years ahead.

NOTES TO EDITORS

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