GB Energy officially opens Aberdeen HQ with £750k training pledge

GB Energy has its HQ in Aberdeen

GB Energy is holding an opening reception for its Aberdeen headquarters today - and has announced £750,000 for training the next generation of workers.

The publicly-owned energy company will host a reception later today at its recently opened headquarters at Marischal Square. It will be attended by industry leaders, partners and stakeholders who have supported Great British Energy since its inception.

The £750k training partnership will be focussed on training, skills and employability in the Aberdeen area. The UK Government has said this aims to get people, including young people and NEETs, into energy and related sectors, while tackling barriers faced by those from disadvantaged communities.

The firm has also confirmed it will aim for five percent of its own workforce to be in entry-level and early-career pathways, offering opportunities for young people in Aberdeen and the wider region to build careers at the forefront of the energy transition.

Dan McGrail, CEO of Great British Energy, said: “We are working to build a lasting legacy in Aberdeen, creating jobs, backing young people into careers in renewable energy, and being an active member of the community here for years to come.

“This city has powered the UK for generations, and we're here because Britain's energy future lies in working alongside the people and communities who know this industry best.

“I look forward to working with our regional partners to open up opportunities for people across the North East to access careers in the energy industry.

“I am proud that Great British Energy will welcome young people into our team and support them as they develop rewarding careers in the sector. Together, we are helping to build a secure energy future for the UK while creating the skilled workforce needed to deliver it.”

Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh said: “For more than half a century Aberdeen has been at the heart of Britain’s energy system - the skills and expertise here is why this city will remain the energy powerhouse of the future.

“As publicly-owned Great British Energy opens its doors to the city, we are backing young people to be part of this next chapter, alongside skilled oil and gas workers.

“It’s an important step-up in support and training for the thousands of good energy jobs opening up in Scotland and across the country.”

Shadow energy secretary and Conservative North East MP Andrew Bowie said: “A year since its creation and with so little to show for the astronomical sums of taxpayers’ money committed to this, it’s clear GB Energy will bring nothing more to Aberdeen than an office with a plaque.

“Labour promised it would create 1,000 direct jobs, but with just a few dozen permanent staff, it’s no surprise people across the North East believe GB Energy is just a pointless gimmick.

“With energy prices rising to the highest level for three years, GB Energy is fast becoming one of the largest cons we have ever seen.

“A flashy office opening that will largely be empty will do nothing to compensate for the thousands of livelihoods being destroyed by Labour’s refusal to support North Sea oil and gas.

“If Labour wants to properly support Aberdeen, it should be focussing on lifting its ban on new licences, ending the energy profits levy, and permitting Rosebank and Jackdaw to protect jobs and investment across the region.”