Labour politicians have called for assurances Fife workers will benefit from Samsung’s jobs windfall.
Korean giant Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI) this week unveiled plans for a £100 million investment in the region, which will see a seven megawatt offshore wind turbine tested at Methil’s Energy Park Fife.
If the tests prove successful it could pave the way for manufacturing work, and has the potential to deliver 500 new jobs.
Fife Council Labour group leader Alex Rowley said: ”This is good news for Levenmouth and for Fife and I hope that the project achieves its potential and in doing so creates jobs and security for local people.
”The question that does not seem to have been asked or answered is: what steps are being taken to ensure that workers in Fife have the skills to benefit from the opportunities coming to Methil?”
It is understood previous plans for a demonstration turbine in Levenmouth may have stalled. Dutch firm 2B Energy have been given the go-ahead for a massive turbine off the coast of Methil, but it has yet to be delivered. The Courier understands funding issues may have delayed the project.
Councillor Tom Adams said in the current economic climate it was important the SHI jobs are delivered as soon as possible.
Claire Baker, Labour MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife, said: ”What we must do now is ensure local people have the necessary skills to secure jobs at the new wind turbine facility and associated gearbox plant.
”That’s why it’s vital that the SNP Government look at again at their decision to slash further education budgets.”
Glenrothes MP Lindsay Roy added: ”Within Fife we must do everything that we can to ensure that as many new jobs at the Energy Park are taken up by skilled local people.
”To that end, both Adam Smith and Carnegie Colleges deserve praise for the leading roles that they have played in developing new vocational qualifications in engineering technologies and renewables.
”The Adam Smith campus in my constituency, with its new purpose-built extension, will have a particularly vital role to play in providing the range of skills that will be necessary to secure jobs in building the next generation of wind turbines.”
Labour MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife John Park said: ”I hope that this offshore project will bring quality full-time, permanent jobs for the people of Methil and Fife, that Samsung are here for the long-term.”
Scottish Liberal Democrat leader and MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife Willie Rennie said: ”It’s not only great news for job prospects in the area, but it is great to see Fife at the heart of Scotland’s renewables revolution.”
Photo by Gareth Fuller/PA Archive