Inch Cape and Dundee & Angus College sign skills partnership to power future offshore wind workforce

Dundee & Angus College and Inch Cape Offshore Wind Farm have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) setting out how they will work together to develop skills for offshore wind at the new Montrose Port Skills Academy.

The agreement formalises a strategic partnership between the College and Inch Cape to support the development of a highly skilled workforce for the rapidly growing Scottish offshore wind sector. It aims to strengthen training, education, and career pathways linked not only to Inch Cape but to the wider offshore wind industry. 

As part of the partnership Inch Cape will provide equipment to hone skills development including a nacelle training system, hydraulic workstation and hands-on STEM grid kit.

The strategic partnership with Inch Cape strengthens the shared commitment of Montrose Port Authority and Dundee & Angus College to establish the Montrose Port Skills Academy as a centre of excellence for offshore wind training, innovation, and workforce development in Scotland.

Steve Swinley, Project Manager for Offshore Wind at Dundee & Angus College, said: 
“This partnership creates exciting new opportunities for our students to access industry-informed learning, hands-on training, and clear pathways into offshore wind careers. By working closely with industry partners, such as Inch Cape and its turbine supplier Vestas, we can ensure our teaching remains relevant, responsive, and focused on real-world skills.” 

Through this collaboration, Dundee & Angus College will work closely with industry experts to ensure its curriculum aligns with real-world skills needs. Students and apprentices will benefit from enhanced learning opportunities, including guest lectures, industry-led projects, site visits, and potential work experience placements. 

Sue Vincent, Stakeholder and Communications Manager at Inch Cape, said: “Local people with the right skills are vital at every stage of an offshore wind farm’s lifecycle. Montrose Port will be Inch Cape’s home not only for construction but also for the long-term operations and maintenance phase of the project, which will create around 50 new local roles. Through our support of Dundee & Angus College via Montrose Port Skills Academy, we will help provide a direct stepping-stone from education and learning into a promising local offshore wind career.” 

The partnership also supports the College’s Futures in Offshore Wind programme, accredited by Vestas and designed to equip learners with the technical knowledge, practical skills, and safety awareness required to succeed in offshore wind careers. 

Tom Hutchison, CEO of Montrose Port Authority said: “This partnership between Inch Cape and Dundee & Angus College is exactly the kind of collaboration that will develop the skills needed to support a thriving, sustainable energy sector.

“As a trust port, we’re committed to ensuring local people have real opportunities to work on the wind farms on our doorstep. With students from across Angus already taking part in the Futures in Offshore Wind course, that’s becoming a reality.”

The MoU outlines a range of joint activities, including the co-development of training programmes, sharing of labour market intelligence, and support for STEM outreach initiatives to inspire the next generation. 

A joint signing event held at Montrose Port Authority highlighted the importance of regional collaboration in delivering Scotland’s clean energy ambitions. 

This partnership reflects Dundee & Angus College’s ongoing commitment to delivering high-quality, industry-relevant education and supporting sustainable career opportunities for learners across the region.