Apprentices from Fife College took a peek into the inner workings of a wind turbine when they visited RES operated Earlseat Wind Farm as part of Scottish Apprenticeship Week.
The visit came as part of a long-term partnership with Fife College to provide an apprenticeship training programme linked to renewables, which is funded by the wind farm.
Located between Leven and Kirkcaldy, Earlseat’s eight turbines provided enough clean, green electricity in 2019 to power all of Scotland’s mobile phones – and the apprentices were able to get a better understanding of how the structures operate, how they’re maintained, and the challenges that come with developing the structures.
One of the apprentices in attendance was Matthew Russell from Dunfermline. Matthew, who is doing his Modern Apprenticeship with Parsons Peebles, said: “I found the visit really interesting. It was really good to hear more about how magnets are used to make the turbine work. I’ve really enjoyed the day, it’s been brilliant!”
Callum Whiteford, Community Relations Manager for RES, said: “Renewable energy is the cleanest and most sustainable way to power our homes, businesses and lives so it is important that we invest in our future by providing apprentices with the kind of learning opportunities and skills that will be essential to delivering our net zero economy.
“Over the six-year partnership, we’ve been delighted to support the development of more than 48 apprentices’ – and it’s something we look forward to doing for many years to come.”
Operated by RES on behalf of TRIG, Earlseat became fully operational in 2014, and formed a partnership with Fife College from the very outset. Over the course of the next 19 years, the wind farm will support at least 125 apprenticeship opportunities from the site.
Funds donated from Earlseat Wind Farm are allocated to companies to support apprentices through the Adam Smith Foundation, Fife College’s Scholarship Programme.
Lyn Gold, Adam Smith Foundation Co-ordinator, said: “We were delighted to visit the Earlseat Wind Farm - what an amazing opportunity for our apprentices to get up close to a wind turbine and find out more about the technology, as well as seeing just where the support for their apprenticeship comes from.
“The visit was also a fantastic opportunity to bring together apprentices, local employers and staff from RES and Fife College to mark and highlight Scottish Apprenticeship Week.
“This programme is an excellent example of a private and public sector partnership which benefits local people, local businesses and the local and national economy.”
RES is the world’s largest independent renewable energy company, active in onshore and offshore wind, solar, energy storage, transmission and distribution. In its 38-year history, RES has delivered more than 17GW of renewable energy projects and supports an operational asset portfolio exceeding 5.5 GW worldwide.
For further information about RES, visit the RES website.
There are currently 550 Modern Apprentices enrolled at Fife College, one of the highest numbers in Scotland – a popular route to a great career. Further information about Modern Apprenticeships visit our apprenticeship pages.
For further details about the College's Adam Smith Foundation Scholarship programme, visit our scholarship pages or email scholarships@fife.ac.uk.
