A new training scheme to support the radical transformation of Grangemouth is the latest initiative to come out of a multi-partner approach to tackle employability skills needed for the Falkirk area.
The bespoke programme developed by Forth Valley College and Petroineos will create new Mechanical Technicians for the refinery and follows on from a similar programme to develop and employ Process Technicians.
The launch of the training scheme supports a wider skills strategy for the Falkirk area driven by Falkirk Council that ensures Grangemouth is safeguarded within a response to meet demand from growing and emerging sectors. Backed by public and private partners including the College and INEOS, key priorities for the strategy include supporting the changing needs of energy companies who are committing to evolve within Grangemouth, the opportunities being created through the Council’s £multi-million infrastructure scheme and building on the area’s elevated position on the tourist map through The Kelpies.
Latest reports from Falkirk Council’s Employment and Training Unit (ETU) reveal the highest ever level of Modern Apprenticeships and positive destinations for school leavers whilst youth unemployment is at its lowest level recorded and, for the first time, below the Scottish average. Current Falkirk ETU partnerships include MacDonald Inchyra Hotel to train young people for the Hospitality sector, Food and Drink apprenticeships at Malcolm Allan butchers and a pre apprenticeship programme with MetTECH for engineers. Forth Valley College has also reported a significant increase in the number of engineering apprenticeships across the last three years, with a large proportion linked to companies within Grangemouth.
Falkirk Council’s Chief Executive, Mary Pitcaithly said: “Over the last two years the Falkirk area’s economic landscape has rapidly evolved through business creation and re-location, progress on the infrastructure scheme and the completion of The Kelpies and Helix Park. A diverse range of initiatives and investment set up to respond to this has helped create a sustainable future for Grangemouth, with its local community developing skills suited to support the wider area’s new outlook.
“The skills strategy for the Falkirk area has focused on apprenticeships and training schemes across key sectors such as Food and Drink, Hospitality, Engineering, Childcare and Social Care as well as supporting major commitment from existing and new energy firms within Grangemouth.”
This year, INEOS has taken on 24 Modern Apprentices whilst confidence in the Grangemouth economy has also recently been strengthened by a £450m INEOS project to regenerate its site. The ambitious project will produce a new HQ for the petrochemical manufacturing business, identify new investment opportunities for redundant land and deliver its ethane supply project.
Dr Ken Thomson, Principal for Forth Valley College said: “Forth Valley College has a key role to play in creating a sustainable future for the Falkirk area. We have a strong track record in delivering the skills and training that employers need to achieve success and secure economic stability and our innovative approach was recognised with an Association of College’s Beacon Award for Innovation in Further Education in 2014.
“Our plans for a new £70million Falkirk Campus will see significant investment in the local area. This state-of-the-art campus will be our new headquarters, with a focus on science and engineering provision in line with local employment opportunities. We are also currently consulting with a wide range of employers to ensure the new campus will meet their future needs.”