£6.5m for renewable energy training - graduate jobs

Industry experts are set to equip engineering graduates with skills vital for the growth of the renewable energy sector under the £6.5 million scheme newly launched by the Government.

The universities of Edinburgh, Strathclyde and Exeter will offer the training course to 50 engineering students, who will be trained to design windmill blades and gain expertise in other innovative energy technologies.

Under the programme, the students will be provided with an opportunity to work with some of the leading energy companies including Caterpillar, E.ON, Rolls-Royce, Shell, EDF Energy and BP.

The training programme, which is expected to begin in January, is also supported by the Scottish Association for Marine Science and consultancy HR-Wallingford.

While announcing the programme at Edinburgh University, business secretary Vince Cable said: "Engineering skills are vital for the growth of a more sustainable economy and are in high demand from employers. This scheme will see industry working with universities to provide students with the training and commercial experience businesses want."

He also said that the trained students will be able to "tackle one of our biggest challenges - developing technology for a greener future".

Copyright Press Association 2011