Red Rock Renewables has partnered with Dumfries & Galloway College to help remove financial barriers for students training to become the next generation of wind turbine technicians.
The renewable energy company has donated more than £3,000 to support students enrolled on the college’s Wind Turbine Technician course. The fund will provide broader financial support to learners facing financial difficulties, including help with travel costs for those travelling from rural communities across Dumfries and Galloway. By helping students overcome practical barriers to attending college, the funding will support them to complete their studies.
The partnership reflects Red Rock Renewables’ commitment to investing in local talent and supporting the future workforce needed to operate and maintain Scotland’s growing renewable energy sector. Graduates from the course regularly go on to secure employment with companies working across the region’s renewable energy industry, including contractors supporting Red Rock’s Benbrack and Afton wind farms.
To mark the launch of the partnership, Red Rock recently welcomed the new cohort of 25 students to Afton Wind Farm, giving them the opportunity to experience an operational wind farm first-hand and gain insight into careers within the sector.
During the visit, students toured the site, stepped inside a wind turbine and heard from engineers and operations specialists about the day-to-day realities of working in the industry. They also took part in a career session led by Trevor Chaplin, Operations Manager at Afton Wind Farm, who shared his journey from apprentice wind turbine technician to leading operational teams.
Neil McAllister, Chief Administrative Officer at Red Rock Renewables, said: “Developing the skilled workforce needed to support Scotland’s renewable energy ambitions is something we’re passionate about.
“There are talented people across the country who want to build careers in renewables, but for some, something as simple as the cost of travelling to college can become a real barrier. By supporting students to complete their training and providing opportunities to see the industry up close, we’re helping strengthen the future skills pipeline that will be needed to operate and maintain renewable energy projects for decades to come.”
James Rankin, Curriculum Manager for Engineering & Renewable Transport at Dumfries & Galloway College, said: “This generous support from Red Rock Renewables will help students overcome practical and financial challenges that might otherwise affect their ability to attend college and complete their training.
“The visit to Afton Wind Farm was equally valuable. Seeing an operational site and hearing Trevor’s journey from apprentice to Operations Manager gave our students a real sense of the careers open to them in the industry.”
Trevor Chaplin, Operations Manager at Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy (SGRE), said: “I’m incredibly passionate about the wind industry and creating opportunities for the next generation of technicians. Having started my own journey as a technician, I understand the importance of learning from experienced people and having the right support around you. Today, one of the most rewarding parts of my role is coaching and developing technicians, helping them build their technical competence, confidence and careers.
“I firmly believe that strong leadership and technical excellence go hand in hand. My goal is to create an environment where people are empowered to learn, challenge themselves and continuously improve. If I can help any technician take the next step in their career, then I’ve done my job.”
Afton Wind Farm is a 50 MW onshore wind farm in East Ayrshire. The site generates enough renewable electricity to power up to 35,000 homes annually and is operated by Red Rock Renewables’ Asset Management team in partnership with RES.
