A specialist training academy in Ayrshire has celebrated its first anniversary by providing free training to 70 people classed as medium to long term unemployed – including 11 people who have now gained full-time employment within the Scottish renewables sector.
Prontoport in Irvine works in partnership with DWP, Wise Group and CEIS as a part of a community benefit scheme which prepares people to work in a range of industries.
Scott Telfer, Managing Director, Prontoport, commented, “The renewables sector continues to grow and offer amazing opportunities but there are few people out there with the required skills. The rewards for successful candidates can be substantial but we need candidates willing to upskill or retrain for a growing number of onshore and offshore windfarms. ”
Prontoport’s servicing business has been in existence for 10 years and has carried out servicing and repairs on over 50% of the UK’s Wind Farm assets.
Prontoport Training Academy also recently enjoyed a successful audit by industry bodies Renewable UK and SGS and a VIP visit by Fergus Ewing, the Scottish Energy Minister.
The company, which currently employs 45 full-time staff, expects to double in size over the next two years and is planning overseas expansion to service the growing demand for clean energy.
Telfer added: “We can train technicians from any background but those with mechanical experience have a head start. We plan to expand the range of courses on offer over our second year and welcome enquiries from anyone looking to work in the renewables industries or just to strengthen their occupational skillset.”
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