Building Scotland’s net zero workforce
11 March 2026
Scottish Apprenticeship Week ran from 2 to 6 March and celebrated the success of Foundation, Modern and Graduate Apprenticeships. This year’s theme ‘Working for Scotland’, showcased how apprenticeships are developed in partnership with employers, and their positive impact on businesses, employees and our economy.
Sustainability and green skills continue to be effectively integrated into apprenticeships in Scotland to ensure the system remains flexible and relevant as we transition to net zero.
Following Scottish Apprenticeship Week it’s worth recognising the progress already under way, and understanding what Scotland’s transition to net zero means for our communities, our families and our economy; not only in the future, but right now.
The progress underway
Scotland’s transition to net zero depends on people with the right skills to design, install, and maintain low-carbon technologies. Across the country, more individuals are training for roles that directly support renewable energy, low-carbon heating, and sustainable infrastructure.
From installing heat pumps to building wind farms, a growing workforce is helping to turn climate ambition into practical delivery. The statistics reflect this momentum:
- Around 29% of Modern Apprentices and 38% of Graduate Apprentices starts are in sectors aligned to net zero.
- Around 90% of apprentices in green occupations remain in the sector after completing their qualification.
- Analysis shows that, with the right policy support, the number of low carbon energy production jobs is could rise from 19,000 in 2019 to 77,000 by 2050 as the result of a just energy transition.
- New data from the ONS estimates that in 2024 there were already over 35,000 full time equivalent jobs in Scotland’s low carbon and renewable energy economy.
- Scotland saw the largest percentage increase in turnover in those sectors of all UK countries between 2015 and 2024, rising from £5.5 billion to £13.3 billion.
Source: Energy Systems and Just Transition: Independent analysis, 2023
Real training, real jobs, real progress
Modern Apprenticeship opportunities in net zero sectors are expanding across Scotland, supported by dedicated training facilities helping to build the skilled workforce the country needs.
Edinburgh College Renewables and Energy Efficiency Centre
At Edinburgh College, hundreds of students and apprentices each year gain hands-on experience with heat pumps, solar PV systems and energy-efficient retrofits. These skills are central to Scotland’s shift to low-carbon heating.
As Scott Warden, Assistant Principal for Construction and Engineering at Edinburgh College, explains:
"At Edinburgh College we’re leading the way in training students in the latest technology so that they leave ready to install the systems that will heat homes efficiently and sustainably. The low-carbon heating solutions our students learn about here will be vital in helping to reduce Scotland’s emissions. However, these systems aren’t just about emissions; they support comfort, air quality and energy security for Scotland’s communities."
- Scott Warden, Assistant Principal for Construction and Engineering, Edinburgh College
Energy Transition Skills Hub, Aberdeen
Scotland's largest skills hub of its kind, the Energy Transition Skills Hub in Aberdeen, is backed by £4.5m from the Scottish Government's Just Transition Fund. Designed to support 1,000 people into energy transition roles over the next five years, it features a cutting-edge welding academy, advanced manufacturing zone and digital training suites; helping people prepare for the renewable energy careers of the future.
To find out more or apply, visit: nescol.ac.uk/energy-transition.
A once-in-a-generation opportunity in the Highlands and Islands
While the scale of opportunity created by Scotland’s net zero transition will be felt nationwide, it is perhaps nowhere more significant than in the Highlands and Islands. Over the next 10 to 15 years, the region is set to benefit from over £100 billion in investment, driven by renewable energy generation, transmission and distribution.
To help ensure that this investment creates lasting opportunities for local communities, Skills Development Scotland, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, the University of the Highlands and Islands and key partners have launched Workforce North. This initiative works closely with local businesses and inward investors to promote and support talent development and retention; including long-term apprenticeship opportunities across the region.
The stories behind the statistics
It’s time to meet the individuals who are building real careers in Scotland’s net zero economy. Here are three of them, all finalists in the Supporting Net Zero Apprentice of the Year category at the Scottish Apprenticeship Awards.
Alasdair Gillies, Modern Apprentice in Engineering Maintenance, Proterra Energy Ltd, Inverness
Alasdair’s route into renewable energy began with a work placement, after which his employer invited him to stay on. He is now completing a Modern Apprenticeship in Engineering Maintenance with Proterra Energy Ltd in Inverness.
"Achieving net zero is vital for our future and it feels good to be helping clients switch to renewable energy sources."
- Alasdair Gillies, Modern Apprentice, Proterra Energy Ltd
Cameron Clark, Modern Apprentice, Scottish Water, Paisley
In just over a year, Cameron has become a valued member of Scottish Water’s Renewables Capital Delivery team, working on solar and hydropower installations and supporting biodiversity measures across renewable projects.
"Sustainability is the way that the future is going and I’m proud to be part of the efforts to make sure that Scottish Water meets its net zero targets by 2040."
- Cameron Clark, Modern Apprentice, Scottish Water
Skye McInally, Modern Apprentice in Engineering Maintenance, SSE plc
At 16, Skye chose a Modern Apprenticeship in Engineering Maintenance with SSE plc rather than university. She now works at the Loch Sloy Hydro-Electric Power Scheme supporting turbine monitoring and maintenance.
"The Modern Apprenticeship was a better pathway for me than going to university because you are doing the job already, so you get that hands-on experience and you’re not getting into debt while studying."
- Skye McInally, Modern Apprentice, SSE plc
Be part of Scotland’s net zero journey
There are practical ways to engage with Scotland’s transition to net zero, whether you are exploring career pathways, supporting a young person, or looking for trusted information:
