North East oil and gas workers can retrain for renewables at NESCol and ASET through new funding scheme

August 4, 2025

Current and recent oil and gas professionals in the region can access funding to support their transition to the clean energy sector, with a range of eligible courses offered by ASET International Energy Training Academy and North East Scotland College (NESCol).

Launched in July, the Oil and Gas Transition Training Fund is a pilot programme which aims to upskill the local workforce for Scotland’s evolving energy sector. The fund, administered by Skills Development Scotland (SDS), is backed by £900,000 of UK Government funding.

Individuals working in the oil and gas industry, or its supply chain, in Aberdeen or Aberdeenshire can apply for funding for industry-recognised training. The training should support career transitions to sectors including offshore wind, hydrogen, and carbon capture and storage.

NESCol and ASET deliver a variety of part-time energy transition skills courses that can be funded through the scheme. These include courses such as electrical and mechanical engineering, as well as qualifications certified by GWO, ECITB and CompEx.

Duncan Abernethy, Assistant Principal Curriculum and Commercial Development, NESCol said:

“NESCol and ASET are leading the skills revolution at the heart of the energy transition. It is fantastic to see such a significant investment in upskilling and retraining the North East workforce – a workforce that will play a crucial role in achieving the country’s net zero target.

“Our team is on hand for any questions about the Oil and Gas Transition Training Fund, and to discuss your requirements. With the funding, you can choose from an offering of energy transition courses from both the College and ASET to build a skills training package.

“We look forward to welcoming new and returning delegates as they take the next step in transitioning to a career in renewable and sustainable energy.”

How to apply

To be eligible, applicants must live or work for an employer in the Aberdeen City or Aberdeenshire area and have worked in the oil and gas sector within the last two years.

Applications are made via the transitiontrainingfund.scot website, with SDS advisers available on 0808 100 1855.

All training must be completed by 31 March 2026, and funding will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information about eligible NESCol and ASET courses, please visit: nescol.ac.uk/ogttf