NESCol showcased at Scottish Parliament event

May 1, 2025

Innovation and inspiration were at the top of the agenda as NESCol’s role in shaping the North East economy was showcased at the Scottish Parliament this week.

Colleges Scotland, the umbrella body representing the country’s 24 institutions, hosted its annual parliamentary reception at Holyrood on Tuesday.

NESCol was one of eight colleges selected to take part in an interactive event demonstrating the sector’s agility and progressive approach to education and skills.

The College and the Scottish Maritime Academy, a NESCol centre of excellence based in Peterhead, showcased the role both are playing as driving forces behind Scotland’s energy transition, building a workforce equipped with the skills crucial to the development of wind, hydrogen, solar power and carbon capture.

NESCol Principal Neil Cowie said: “The Energy Transition Skills Hub, the first purpose-built facility of its kind in the country, will open this summer. The College also delivers a range of related initiatives, from the pioneering Girls in Energy programme to the country’s first net zero scholarships.

“As a partner in the National Energy Skills Accelerator (NESA), we have also been at the forefront of skills research, including the publication of the Future Energy Skills report, and the development of online tools to help increase the pipeline of talented individuals.

“The opportunity to outline these innovations to a very receptive audience of MSPs and guests at the Colleges Scotland reception was very welcome and we look forward to continuing those conversations as we look to a bright future for our College, our students, partners and the communities we serve.”

The Holyrood event provided an opportunity for the College to showcase its work in green energy, robotics and the maritime sector.

Activity was led by specialist staff alongside St Machar Academy pupils Laura Kujawska and Busola Oloruntobi, who are members of the Girls in Energy programme and are tasked with providing innovative solutions to real-world issues through their course.

The pupils demonstrated wind turbine and renewable technologies to MSPs, including Minister for Higher and Further Education Graeme Dey.