A major new skills and training centre proposed for Inverness aims to tackle the growing shortage of workers across the Highlands and Islands’ energy and infrastructure sectors.
The initiative, led by industry-backed Highlands and Islands Skills, or Hi-skills would see a new Centre of Excellence for Skills, Safety and Innovation built at Torvean Quarry.
The plan has secured backing from Inverness MP Angus MacDonald, Inverness West Community Council, and a host of regional employers and training bodies including the University of the Highlands and Islands and the Construction Industry Training Board.
The vision is to create a nationally significant, industry-led centre that will support the next generation of skilled workers in construction, civil engineering and renewables.
With over 250 infrastructure projects and more than £100 billion of investment expected across the region by 2040, it’s estimated the Highlands and Islands will need 16,000 trained workers every year at peak.
Hi-skills believes the region must build its own skilled workforce and not rely on flying in contractors from elsewhere.
Director Callum Mackintosh said Inverness is the natural home for the centre.
“It makes sense to create a national hub here.
“We’re already seeing major projects on our doorstep, from A9 dualling to green energy developments and new housing.
“We need the skilled workers in place to meet that demand,” he said.
Torvean Quarry has been identified as the preferred location.
The site has lain unused since 1991 and has long attracted fly-tipping and antisocial behaviour.
Hi-skills has now launched a Community Asset Transfer process after attempts to buy or lease the land from Highland Council were unsuccessful.
Phase one of the project, a modular training facility, would begin immediately upon site entry, with a £6.7 million investment bringing outdoor and indoor training areas online within weeks.
A permanent £21 million facility would follow over the next three years.
Hi-skills says the centre could place 300 apprentices straight away, supporting hundreds more annually in future years, creating jobs, unlocking contracts for local firms, and helping to keep young people in the region.
MP Angus MacDonald said:
“It’s time the renewables boom delivered real jobs for Highland communities.
“This centre could be a game-changer for training, careers and economic growth.”
Inverness West Community Council also supports the plan, calling it “a more beneficial and safer use of the site” than Highland Council’s proposed Battery Energy Storage System, which has raised concerns among residents.
Tim Balcon, Chief Executive of CITB, added:
“We have the chance to create a workforce that will help Scotland lead the way in construction and infrastructure.”
Hi-skills says it is ready to act immediately, and has urged Highland Council to support the plan without further delay.
