First look at new Angus skills centre funded with wind farm cash

By Gavin Harper

November 26 2022, 5:55am

P7 pupils from Fintry Primary School were at the launch. Image: Kim Cessford/DC Thomson.

A new facility which aims to inspire young people to explore careers in emerging technologies has been opened in Angus.

The Skills for the Future Lab opened at Dundee and Angus College’s engineering partnership innovation centre in Arbroath.

Local students enjoyed a 3D virtual reality (VR) visualisation of the engineering aspects of offshore wind farms in the lab.

Comprising a VR suite, the new facility will promote STEM engagement throughout Dundee and Angus.

P7 pupils from Fintry Primary School stepped into a virtual world with VR headsets and hand controllers at the opening of the new lab. Image Kim Cessford/ DC Thomson.

Seagreen, a joint venture between TotalEnergies and SSE Renewables, has provided £300,000 funding to Dundee and Angus College.

A large proportion of this fund has directly supported the creation of the Skills for the Future lab.

Dundee and Angus College principal Simon Hewitt said: “The opening of the Skills for the Future Lab represents a pivotal moment for Dundee and Angus College and the wider region.

Dundee and Angus College principal Simon Hewitt, Jim Brown from ESP, and Pauline Allison (Seagreen) with Steph Toms, Steve Swinley and Stephen McGregor from Dundee and Angus College, and Robert Bryce of SSE, Image: Kim Cessford/DC Thomson.

“As Scotland accelerates its journey to net-zero, there are countless exciting and lucrative career options ahead.

“We are extremely grateful to Seagreen for their support. It will create tangible and long-lasting benefits for our community and economy.”

Hope new lab ‘inspires’ young people

Seagreen, off the coast of Angus, comprise 114 turbines capable of generating around 5,000 GWh of renewable energy each year. Seagreen began generating power earlier this year.

The Skills for the Future Lab opened at Dundee and Angus College’s engineering partnership innovation centre in Arbroath. Image: Kim Cessford/DC Thomson.

Robert Bryce from SSE Renewables said: “As a responsible developer, it is vital that we support the local economy and Scotland’s supply chain and that we contribute to the education of the next generation of renewables professionals.”