Three projects across Scotland have been awarded almost £1.7m ($2.25m) to boost training and skills for the country’s growing offshore wind sector.

The funding will support the creation of a regional skills hub for the Highlands and Islands, the expansion of engineering construction programmes, and the development of new training courses at North East Scotland College. The awards are expected to attract a similar level of private investment, leveraging public funds to increase training capacity and industry engagement.

Under the first round of the Offshore Wind Skills Programme (OWSP), the University of the Highlands and Islands will receive £1.17m, the Engineering Construction Industry Training Board (ECITB) will get £372,842, and North East Scotland College has been allocated £135,162.

The programme, set up by the Scottish Government in 2026, has £3.85m in total to help build the skilled workforce needed for offshore wind projects. Further awards will be considered through 2026 and 2027.

Energy Minister Stephen Gethins announced the grants ahead of a visit to the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland, where he is meeting participants in the Scottish–Irish Offshore Wind Internship Pilot.

“I am determined to make the most of Scotland’s remarkable energy potential, with industry reports estimating offshore wind could support up to 49,000 jobs in Scotland,” Gethins said. “That is why it is at the centre of both our energy and economic ambitions.”

He added that linking industry with colleges and training bodies is key to delivering those ambitions.

The Scottish–Irish Offshore Wind Internship Pilot will fund 20 paid 12‑week summer placements in Scotland, split evenly between Scottish and Irish students. The scheme is backed by £100,000 each from the Scottish and Irish governments, plus £20,000 from the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland, which is running the pilot.