Funded green skills training opportunities

Edinburgh and the Lothians 

The Energy Training Academy

Small to Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) based in Midlothian can also apply for support from the Green Skills Programme for their staff to access a range of training in renewable and low energy technologies.

Delivered by The Energy Training Academy at their brand new Dalkeith facility, fully funded training is available for Midlothian-based heating engineers, electricians and plumbers.

A 27-week intensive training programme is also open for applications from unemployed people looking to set up their own business or pursue roles in the industry. In addition to gaining qualifications, successful participants will be assigned a fully paid work placement with a local heating firm.

Courses available:

• Solar PV & Battery Storage
• Air Source Heat Pump (Level 3)
• Managed Learning Programme in Low Carbon Technology

Find out more here.

North East Scotland College (NESCOL)

Plumbers, heating engineers, oil engineers or gas engineers based in the Aberdeen City, Aberdeenshire or Moray areas can benefit from a fully funded training through NESCOL’s partnership with the National Energy Skills Accelerator (NESA).

Delivered at the college’s new Energy Transition Skills Hub, candidates will receive training on cutting-edge equipment in facilities that have been shaped by the needs of employers.

Find out more here.

West Lothian College

Businesses in West Lothian can benefit from free green skills training through West Lothian College’s Economic Development Fund, delivered in partnership with West Lothian Council.

Based at the college’s innovative ECOHOUSE training centre, these green skills and sustainable construction courses aim to meet ever-changing industry needs, help create high value green jobs and put West Lothian at the heart of sustainable development.

Courses available:

• BPEC Domestic Unvented Hot Water Storage Systems (SCQF 6)
• BPEC Awareness of Environmental Technologies (SCQF 7)
• BPEC Domestic Air Source/Ground Source Heat Pumps (SCQF 7)
• BPEC Water Regulations & Byelaws Manual (SCQF 6)
• BPEC Solar Thermal Hot Water Systems (SQF 7)t

Find out more here.

Mobile heat pump training centre

The Scottish Government’s Heat Pump Skills Fund is available to help cover the cost of BPEC-accredited heat pump training. This training is delivered through the mobile heat pump training centre, managed by South Lanarkshire College in partnership with Energy Saving Trust.

You could receive up to £700 or 50% of the total training cost, whichever is lower. The remaining balance is paid directly to South Lanarkshire College when booking your place.

Funding is not available for training that has already taken place. The grant will remain open until funds are fully allocated or until the end of March 2026, whichever comes first.

Learn more about the mobile heat pump training centre.