Getting support for training was essential for Douglas McInally after being made redundant from the oil and gas sector.
The 32-year-old had been working offshore for Sabre Safety Ltd. when he fell victim to the industry downturn.
Having previously worked as a gas engineer, the father-of-three from Arbroath was keen on refreshing his skills and used the Transition Training Fund to update his qualifications.
That has led to him securing a job with SSE as a dual fuel installer – something he believes may not have been possible without support from the fund.
“Because of the downturn, it was a case of last in first out and I had only been with the firm for two and a half years,” said Douglas,
“So I could see it coming, but with three daughters aged between one and eight, and a house and everything else, it still came as a shock.
“All my gas licences had run out so I was left either with looking at unskilled jobs or redoing my gas qualifications which is an expensive process.
“I phoned a training provider, First Class Gas and spoke to them about how I could pay for it, and it was them who told me about the Transition Training Fund.”
The fund is administered on behalf of the Scottish Government by Skills Development Scotland (SDS).
Douglas contacted SDS and was put in touch with adviser Andrew Ross who supported him during the application process.
HOW DO I APPLY?
To apply you only need your National Insurance number and to complete a simple online form. If at any stage you have a question you can speak to a SDS (Skills Development Scotland) advisor on 0808 100 1855.
Apply online today;
TIME IS RUNNING OUT...
The deadline for applications is 31/03/2019, or when the fund is exhausted - so don't delay.
