RES has signed an agreement to support a four-year engineering apprenticeship with Brora-based Edward Mackay, in Scotland.
The apprenticeship will provide a young person residing in the Brora, Golspie or Helmsdale area with the opportunity to build valuable knowledge and skills on the job with Edward Mackay, whilst also working towards an HNC qualification in civil engineering.
RES development project manager Gavin Shirley said: “From public consultation on our Kintradwell Wind Farm proposal, one of the key priorities for the community was establishing real local jobs.
“In response to this we partnered with Edward Mackay – who employ around 100 people in the local area – and signed an agreement giving them right of first offer on the civil construction work, should the project receive consent.
“Furthermore, we also wanted to demonstrate our commitment to Edward Mackay and the wider community in the short term by supporting a local apprenticeship. We believe that this apprenticeship will give a young member of the community a fantastic career opportunity to develop a wide range of skills and experience with a local business.”
A Section 36 application for the 15-turbine Kintradwell Wind Farm proposal, which lies approximately 8 km north of Brora, was submitted into planning in February.
In addition, Kintradwell is predicted to deliver approximately £4m of economic benefit to the local area in the form of jobs, and use of local services as well as at least £18.5m in business rates to The Highland Council during its operation.
Liam Mackay, director at Edward Mackay, added: “We’re really delighted to be able to offer this apprenticeship in partnership with RES as it’s a great opportunity to support and upskill a young person in our local community.
“We have been engaging with Golspie High School and already received interest from pupils, so we plan to start the apprenticeship towards the end of the summer.”