Authorities urged to ensure Fife workforce is ready to reap benefits of Samsung investment
Labour politicians have called for assurances Fife workers will benefit from Samsung's jobs windfall.
Samsung Heavy Industries has selected Fife for an offshore wind turbines trial.
- By Aileen Robertson
- Published in the Courier : 02.02.12
- Published online : 02.02.12 @ 03.44pm
Korean giant Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI) this week unveiled plans for a £100 million investment in the region, which will see a seven megawatt offshore wind turbine tested at Methil's Energy Park Fife.
If the tests prove successful it could pave the way for manufacturing work, and has the potential to deliver 500 new jobs.
Fife Council Labour group leader Alex Rowley said: ''This is good news for Levenmouth and for Fife and I hope that the project achieves its potential and in doing so creates jobs and security for local people.
''The question that does not seem to have been asked or answered is: what steps are being taken to ensure that workers in Fife have the skills to benefit from the opportunities coming to Methil?''
It is understood previous plans for a demonstration turbine in Levenmouth may have stalled. Dutch firm 2B Energy have been given the go-ahead for a massive turbine off the coast of Methil, but it has yet to be delivered. The Courier understands funding issues may have delayed the project.
Councillor Tom Adams said in the current economic climate it was important the SHI jobs are delivered as soon as possible.
Claire Baker, Labour MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife, said: ''What we must do now is ensure local people have the necessary skills to secure jobs at the new wind turbine facility and associated gearbox plant.
''That's why it's vital that the SNP Government look at again at their decision to slash further education budgets.''
Glenrothes MP Lindsay Roy added: ''Within Fife we must do everything that we can to ensure that as many new jobs at the Energy Park are taken up by skilled local people.
''To that end, both Adam Smith and Carnegie Colleges deserve praise for the leading roles that they have played in developing new vocational qualifications in engineering technologies and renewables.
''The Adam Smith campus in my constituency, with its new purpose-built extension, will have a particularly vital role to play in providing the range of skills that will be necessary to secure jobs in building the next generation of wind turbines.''
Labour MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife John Park said: ''I hope that this offshore project will bring quality full-time, permanent jobs for the people of Methil and Fife, that Samsung are here for the long-term.''
Scottish Liberal Democrat leader and MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife Willie Rennie said: ''It's not only great news for job prospects in the area, but it is great to see Fife at the heart of Scotland's renewables revolution.''
Photo by Gareth Fuller/PA Archive
04.32pm - 02.02.2012 StAndrewsisforeveryone - Glenrothes, Scotland Report This
Mr Rowley would do well to look beyond the end of his nose. for once instead of the usual rubbish he spouts. If he did so, he would soon realise that there are various spcialist courses available at the colleges. As stated by Mr Roy.
05.07pm - 02.02.2012 The Observer - Kirkcaldy, Scotland Report This
Not only do you need the skills but you need to instill a work ethic in many of these people. When your onto the 3rd or 4th generation of jobless they don't know what it is to work. I also heard when the Samsung delegation visited the park the local youths threw bricks at them. Nice!!!
07.13pm - 02.02.2012 Trafalgar - Lossiemouth, UK Report This
Not only are the SNP destroying the hilltops with their love affair for wind turbines, they're also destroying the offshore view as well. If we could capture all the hot air these fools spout, we wouldn't need the ugly looking turbines.
07.55am - 03.02.2012 StAndrewsisforeveryone - Glenrothes, Scotland Report This
I doubt that very much....unless they were travelling on a Stagecoach bus...they didnt throw bricks at them I can assure you of that,
09.38am - 04.02.2012 Eoin Ryan - Glenrothes, Svotland Report This
Is this the same Akex Rowley who said in December, that Fife should stop all Wind Turbine Applications and the same Baker and Adams who said only a week ago that the SNP had abandoned the Energy Park? No wonder they are out of power in Fife, Edinburgh & London.
10.43am - 04.02.2012 Raymondo - Dalgety Bay, Scotland Report This
Good news for Fife all round and wonderful to see Labour has-beens jumping on the good news bandwagon - don't ya just love 'em ? On wind turnbines, isn't this a sustanable way of powering Scotland ( and the rest of Europe ) into the future.
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