Grangemouth Workers to Receive Urgent Retraining Support Before Refinery Closure
In a bid to retain highly skilled jobs in the local area ahead of the refinery closure, workers in Grangemouth are set to receive urgent retraining assistance. Forth Valley College has committed to collaborating with partners to ensure the workforce is equipped to transition to local employment opportunities.
A significant step was achieved with the announcement of a new £4 million Skills Transition Unit, which will be situated at the Falkirk campus of Forth Valley College. This initiative is part of the Falkirk and Grangemouth Growth Deal, with the Skills Transition Unit being the first of 11 projects funded through the agreement.
The full business case for the Skills Transition Centre is poised for submission to the UK and Scottish Governments, who are anticipated to endorse the project in the coming weeks and allocate the necessary funds. Pauline Jackson from Forth Valley College clarified that the effort to retrain and upskill workers at risk of job displacement is distinct from the long-term plans of the Skills Transition Unit.
The focus of the Skills Transition Centre at Forth Valley College will be on providing training for roles in emerging sustainable and low-carbon industries, aiming to equip workers with the tools required for the jobs of the future. The centre plans to offer access to contemporary resources such as virtual reality technology, digital classrooms, and drones to ensure workers are adequately prepared for upcoming job opportunities.
It is anticipated that over 1,000 students will benefit from the Skills Transition Centre, assisting them in securing employment and generating an economic value of £26 million over the next decade. While councillors have agreed to progress with the full business case, they are also seeking assurances regarding the support for workers facing imminent job losses.
Forth Valley College is closely collaborating with Falkirk Council’s employment training unit and the Partnership Action for Continuing Employment (PACE) to ensure a coordinated approach in supporting affected employees. The goal is to offer intensive short courses and condensed Higher National Certificate programmes tailored to meet the evolving needs of the workforce.
Emphasising the importance of retaining the local skills base, Ms Jackson highlighted the necessity for substantial funding to facilitate the scale of retraining efforts that will be required. By working in conjunction with businesses, PACE, and trade unions, the college aims to be well-prepared to offer comprehensive support to affected workers when the need arises.
Additionally, the UK Government has pledged an additional £10 million for the Growth Deal, with a specific focus on energy and the transition of the Grangemouth complex. The formal signing of the Growth Deal is anticipated in November, with ongoing preparations to advance the initiatives outlined in the agreement.
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