Scottish finance secretary Kate Forbes has announced a £2.1 million boost to Dundee's coffers that aims to cement the city's future status as an eco transport hub.
The minister visited Dundee and Angus College to see how the cash will feed a Skills Academy and innovation labs researching green transport at the Michelin Scotland Innovation Parc (MSIP).
Dundee and Angus College will facilitate teaching at the state-of-the-art facility, part of the new campus that re-uses the former Michelin tyre factory.
The MSIP was created in partnership with the Scottish Government and Dundee City Council after the French rubber giant ceased manufacturing there in 2020.
Ms Forbes said: “The academy in Dundee will bring existing skills and knowledge from the city’s college and universities together with industry, to deliver new skills, for new technologies.
"This will support the implementation of the Climate Emergency Skills Action Plan to align Scotland’s skills system with business needs to reach net zero.
“Enhancing access to skills training will help create new, high-quality green jobs, enhance regional growth, and improve access to growing low carbon markets across the globe for Scotland’s diverse businesses.”
The Skills Academy was announced in 2019 as part of the initial MSIP plan devised following the announcement of the planned closure of the former Michelin tyre factory on the site.
It will train future engineers in areas like hydrogen, battery storage and development and using smart technology - vital skills that will become more important as Scotland reduces its reliance on fossil fuels.
At the centre of the academy will be a wind turbine workshop that will give students real experience of working at height and in confined spaces before they experience the real thing.
It will also work with local schools to promote STEM subjects with local kids.
Greig Coull, CEO of the Michelin facility, said: "Our partnership with Dundee and Angus College has been crucial to the success of the creation of the MSIP Skills Academy.
"It’s an exceptional institution and their knowledge and expertise in further education, when paired with our industry perspective, has been invaluable.”
Dundee & Angus College principal Simon Hewitt said the academy would provide an "inspiring, innovative and future focused environment" for youngsters to work and train in.
Scottish Enterprise business boss Jane Martin added: “The Skills Academy will be a huge asset for MSIP and will really enhance the reputation of Dundee and Scotland as a whole in the emerging and exciting new markets and innovation around sustainable transport.
"This really will help put us at the forefront of the net zero economy industries.”
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