New Glasgow academy launches to tackle Scotland's engineering skills gap

A new training academy has been launched to address skills gaps in engineering and manufacturing.

The Scottish Engineering Skills Academy, based in Glasgow, will offer training programmes to professionals across Scotland, including CPD-accredited courses.

It aims to support the workforce with up-to-date technical, regulatory, and workplace skills.

Paul Sheerin, chief executive of Scottish Engineering, said: “Scotland’s engineering and manufacturing sector has shaped the lives we live today by delivering incredible achievements throughout its history.

“Today, its companies are navigating a fast-paced and ever-changing environment, facing continued pressure around workforce shortages, developing technologies, legislative change, and geopolitical uncertainty.

“The Skills Academy – which our team have worked hard to deliver – has been created to help employers of all sizes respond to these pressures by providing structured, business-relevant training rather than generic courses, and to reflect the changing nature of the industry by offering skills development that will support the future of the sector.”

Courses will be delivered at Scottish Engineering’s newly refurbished Glasgow offices, as well as at employer premises, online, and through collaborative sessions across the country.

The academy will offer training not only to Scottish Engineering members, but also to non-members.

Programmes will cover a wide range of subjects, from technical skills and employment rights to health and safety.

One of the first new offerings is a short course titled AI at Work, designed to give employees a practical understanding of artificial intelligence, its impact on the workplace, and the ethical and regulatory considerations surrounding its use.

Research by Scottish Engineering found that 22% of member companies reported most of their staff regularly use AI tools, while 50% said a minority do the same.

Despite this growing use, 68% of respondents said they have no formal training in place for AI adoption.

The launch of the Skills Academy marks a major development in Scottish Engineering’s history, building on its support for employers since 1865.

For members, the academy adds to an existing package of services, including advice, representation, and networking opportunities.

Members will receive a 25% discount on academy training, as well as access to mentoring from experienced industry professionals.

To mark the launch, the AI at Work: Ethics, Responsibility and You course will be offered free to members and heavily discounted for non-members for a limited time.

More information about the Skills Academy is available at scottishengineering.org.uk/skills-academy.

New Glasgow academy launches to tackle Scotland’s engineering skills gap

Tags: