THE SNP government plans to invest £2million to help tackle the skills shortage affecting traditional and renewable-energy firms.
The money will go towards 1,000 flexible training places to supplement the modern apprenticeships being delivered over the next four years.
The fund will support individuals moving into the industry from other parts of the Scottish economy and those already working in the sector who want to improve their skills.
It is on top of the continuing commitment to fund 500 apprenticeship starts in the energy and low-carbon sectors every year until 2014.
Speaking on Saturday, First Minister Alex Salmond said:
“Over the next four years we are delivering 2,000 modern apprenticeships specifically for the energy and climate change industries. Today we are going even further to meet that demand with 1,000 flexible training places in the energy and low-carbon industry.”