3t, a safety-critical training provider for the energy sector, has launched its new Power Academy in Aberdeen, creating Scotland’s first independent training provider-led facility of its kind dedicated to specialist power-sector training
Located at 3t’s training centre in Aberdeen, the Academy was developed in partnership with Siemens Energy to support the development of the technical skills required across Scotland’s electricity infrastructure as it scales.
On September 21, 2026, the first cohort of five apprentices employed by Siemens Energy began their training, marking the launch of a new apprenticeship pathway for substation fitting in Scotland.
The five apprentices are working on SSEN Transmission projects as part of the business’ plans to upgrade the electricity network across the north of Scotland.
Stephen Gethins, Scotland’s minister for Europe, External Affairs, and Energy, visited 3t’s Aberdeen training centre, where he met the inaugural apprentices and participated in a Q&A session focused on the important of developing a skilled, homegrown workforce to support Scotland’s energy future.
Gethins said, “Scotland’s energy transition presents a generational opportunity to create high-skilled jobs across the country, as we build the workforce required to deliver a more secure, and more affordable energy future for Scotland and Europe. That means investing not only in the infrastructure itself, but in the people who will build, maintain and operate it.
“The launch of 3t’s Power Academy is a is a positive example of industry investment in workforce development, alongside the broader investment being made through our Offshore Wind Skills Programme, which is investing in initiatives designed to strengthen skills pathways and increase the supply of talent into key offshore wind occupations. By providing apprentices with access to high-impact, hands-on training, this Academy will help equip the next generation with the skills they need to build successful careers in the power sector.”
Jamie Purves, managing director, 3t Training Services UK, said, ”Working alongside our partners, we’ve created a one-of-a-kind training environment that can provide apprentices with the skills and hands-on experience needed to support the future of the UK’s power systems.
“As the first independent training facility in Scotland, the academy will not only fill a critical skills gap, but will also help develop the workforce required to strengthen grid resilience, support infrastructure investment and power the country’s energy transition. And, this is just the first step – we’re already developing a wider range of short courses and upskilling programmes to support the power sector as a whole.”
The Academy represents an investment in specialist equipment and infrastructure, including a dedicated substation facility at 3t’s Aberdeen site. The environment provides apprentices access to practical, industry-standard training typically associated with network operators’ own internal training facilities.
It expands a model already delivering growth from power and utilities customers at 3t’s Manchester training centre, creating new apprenticship pathways and reinforcing the skills base behind the UK’s electricty infrastructure.
Additionally, the launch comes as Scotland and the wider UK invests heavily in electricity networks to accommodate growing energy demand, electrification, and the transition to a lower-carbon energy system. Developing the workforce required to deliver and maintain this infrastructure is critical.
Apprenticeships are an essential part of developing the skilled, homegrown workforce Scotland needs to support growth of the sector, and 3t is commited to working with government and industry partners to strengthen apprenticeship pathways in Scotland, ensuring the pipeline of skills keeps up with the scale of investment in the country’s energy infrastructure.
Darren Davidson, vice president Siemens Energy UK and Ireland, said, “These are the first Siemens Energy Grid Technology apprentices in Scotland and we are delighted with our collaboration with 3t as we continue to grow our role in Scotland’s energy transition. Across the UK we have now approached 650 apprentices, of which around 150 are starting their apprenticeship journey this month.”
Rob McDonald, managing director of SSEN Transmission, said, “SSEN Transmission’s investment to upgrade the electricity network across the north of Scotland is one of the largest infrastructure programmes in the region’s history, and its success depends on having the skilled workforce needed to design, build and maintain the grid for decades to come.
“That’s why initiatives such as 3t’s Power Academy are so important. By creating high-quality apprenticeship opportunities and developing specialist skills close to where they’re needed, we can help more people build rewarding careers in the energy sector, while ensuring local communities share in the economic benefits of the transition to a cleaner, more secure energy system.”
