AN ENERGY company has launched its largest recruitment campaign “this century” ahead of Glasgow hosting COP26 in November.

ScottishPower Energy Networks has set out plans to create 152 new green jobs over the next four months - with 135 of the roles based in Scotland.

The Green Jobs Workforce Academy was launched by the First Minister as she visited the Scottish Power training centre in Cumbernauld, North Lanarkshire, this morning.

A new green jobs academy was one of Ms Sturgeon’s commitments for the reformed Scottish Government’s first 100 days.

Glasgow Times:

The scheme, delivered by Skills Development Scotland, aims to help people take a greener approach to their careers, from accessing training and learning new skills, to finding a new green job.

The jobs will be at the forefront of work to enhance the electricity network in a bid to to increase the uptake of renewables and low carbon technologies needed to help Scotland and the wider UK reach its net zero target.

The majority of the roles will be based in central and southern Scotland where SP Energy Networks is responsible for the operation and maintenance of more 4,000 kilometres of cables and lines that make up the transmission network.

Over the next five years, SP Energy Networks is investing £2 billion in its transmission network to support the increase in renewable energy needed to meet Scotland’s climate change targets.

To help deliver this investment, it is recruiting 126 candidates who will work across a number of major projects to build a transmission network fit for net zero.

The recruitment will increase the number of staff employed in its transmission business by more than 25% on top of the 135 apprentices and graduates across SP Energy Networks who started this year.

An additional 26 positions will be recruited into SP Energy Networks Distribution business to accelerate projects that support net zero ambitions.

These posts offer long-term, skilled roles across varying disciplines including engineering, project management, construction, environmental planning and sustainability.

Glasgow Times:

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “To help tackle climate change Scotland is already investing in green skills and attracting new green job opportunities.

"It is great to see ScottishPower creating 135 new green jobs in Scotland and I would encourage other employers to follow their lead.

"The Academy’s career advisors stand ready to support individuals interested in these jobs access the right training to help their career progress.

“Looking ahead to COP26 in Glasgow in November, Scotland can be proud that our climate change ambitions, backed by investment in creating a highly skilled green workforce, will be showcased on an international stage.”

Frank Mitchell, chief executive of SP Energy Networks, said: “We currently directly employ around 2,700 staff and over the next 12 months we are embarking on our largest recruitment drive in over 20 years.

"This demonstrates the scale of work we’re about to begin, investing billions in our network to help the UK reach its climate change targets.

"In our transmission business alone, we’re investing £2bn out to 2026 and we’re only just beginning."

He added: "We also have very ambitious plans for our distribution businesses, and if our plans are agreed with Ofgem, we will be expanding these new 152 roles considerably.

“The opportunities we have range from planning engineers to programme analysts to project managers and offer long-term, green jobs that will be right at the heart of the transition to net zero through a green economic recovery.”