UHI Principal Vicki Nairn and Durham College’s Robin Young. Photo: Paul Campbell.
The University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) is spreading its wings through international ties with institutions in Canada and Iceland.
On March 18, UHI hosted delegations at UHI House in Inverness from Durham College, Ontario and from Iceland’s University of Akureyri.
First, it signed a memorandum of understanding and confirmed plans to collaborate with Durham College on a range of training and education initiatives.
The international partnership is focused on supporting workforce development in the rapidly expanding renewable energy sector by collaborating on a range of training and education initiatives.
UHI and Durham College will launch an online Renewable Energy Project Management programme, which is scheduled to launch in autumn 2026.
The UHI and Icelandic delegations. Photo credit: UHI and Paul Campbell.
Then on the same day UHI hosted talks with Iceland’s University of Akureyri in Inverness in a bid to “strengthen strategic partnership”.
The visit follows a successful engagement at UHI Perth earlier this week and brings together senior leaders and academic colleagues from across the UHI partnership to explore new and existing opportunities for collaboration.
The delegation included Aslaug Asgeirsdottir, Rector of the University of Akureyri; Dagmar Ýr Stefánsdóttir, Head of Municipality of Múlaþing; and senior UHI representatives leading on research, enterprise and international development.
The Principal and Vice-Chancellor of UHI, Vicki Nairn, said: “UHI is committed to working with partners around the world to develop the skills needed for the energy transition. Our approach is based on sharing our experience while learning from others working in similar contexts internationally, supporting new and innovative approaches to renewable energy development.
“Our valued partnership with Durham College brings together international expertise to create learning opportunities that will help professionals plan and deliver renewable energy projects, while supporting workforce development across the Highlands and Islands, Moray, Perthshire and beyond.”
On the Icelandic delegation’s visit, Ms Nairn said: “Our valued and deepening partnership with the University of Akureyri continues to go from strength to strength.
“It is built on shared values, mutual respect and a strong commitment to delivering meaningful impact for our students, communities and regions.”
Robin Young, Managing Director, Business and Workforce Development, Corporate Training Services at Durham College, said: “Partnering with UHI allows us to bring global expertise directly to learners in the renewable energy sector.
“There is an immediate need for training that equips professionals with the expertise required to drive sustainable energy projects forward, and this collaboration helps us meet that need.”
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