Gibson backs renewable jobs initiative

News release
Immediate release

13/05/08

Highlands and Islands SNP MSP Rob Gibson has welcomed a Careers Scotland scheme to attract young people to jobs in the renewable energy sector.

The initiative entitled 'The path is green' seeks to capitalise on the expected rapid growth in the industry.

Mr Gibson said...

"In Scotland today there are around 80,000 jobs in the renewable sector. That figure is expected to rise by around 50,000 in the next 10 to 15 years. Therefore, this scheme is of great importance if Scotland is to capitalise on the boom."

"Scotland has great potential in the production of green energy. It is estimated that the country has the capacity to produce 25% of the European Union's total wind and tidal power. Part of the measure of what benefit that will bring to Scotland will be the amount of highly skilled engineering jobs and other jobs that will be available within the country. It is important that the possibility of working in that sector is promoted as a viable option for tomorrow's work force."

"Scotland has the chance to be the world leader in green technologies. I welcome the path is green scheme as a step in that direction."

ENDS

Note: Copy of motion from Bob Doris MSP on 'The path green' initiative:

S3M-01890 Bob Doris (Glasgow) (Scottish National Party): The Path is Green— That the Parliament strongly welcomes the launch of The Path is Green, a Careers Scotland initiative to attract young people into jobs in the renewables sector; notes that there are at present 80,000 such jobs and that a further 50,000 are projected within the next 10 years; observes that traditional occupations will require a new set of skills to realise Scotland's potential for producing 25% of the European Union’s total capacity for wind and tidal power; further notes that Green jobs extend beyond renewable energy and that there are an increasing number of opportunities in other areas, for example, in environmental careers such as town planning and landscape architecture, water waste management and sustainable constructions; applauds the cyber-friendly focus of the initiative, of which more information can be found at www.thepathisgreen.com, and applauds the joined-up thinking that links important career opportunities with both the economic future of Scotland and the wellbeing of our planet.