ADDITIONAL funding has been injected into a green transport hub, the Michelin Scotland Innovation Parc (MSIP), set to open in Dundee later this year.
The site of the former Michelin tyre factory will now deliver a Skills Academy and innovation labs, with the aim of furthering understanding and innovation of future greener transport technologies.
It is hoped that the £2.1m investment from Scottish Enterprise will accelerate the transition from bustling tyre manufacturing to becoming a “world leader” in law carbon transport skills and innovation.
While the educational aspects will be covered by Dundee and Angus College, the site also seeks to align with the Scottish Government’s National Strategy for Economic Transformation.
The plan includes partnerships between government and employers being sought out to create green jobs of the future.
Finance Secretary Kate Forbes met with students and workers currently being upskilled in college to hear about how the new facilities will affect the local community.
Ms Forbes said: “The academy in Dundee will bring existing skills and knowledge from the city’s college and universities together with industry, to deliver new skills, for new technologies.
“This will support the implementation of the Climate Emergency Skills Action Plan to align Scotland’s skills system with business needs to reach net zero.
“Enhancing access to skills training will help create new, high-quality green jobs, enhance regional growth, and improve access to growing low carbon markets across the globe for Scotland’s diverse businesses.”
The funding is hoped to bring forward the delivery of the Skills Academy, which is aiming to welcome 500 school pupils and 250 full-time students and apprentices by next summer.
Green energy, practical engineering skills, technology and innovation, wind turbine workshops and a smart technology data zone will make up the five areas of park.
After 50 years at the heart of Dundee’s economy, the Michelin factory closed its doors in June 2020, with the final workers applauded and played out by bagpipes.
In the aftermath of the announcement regarding the tyre factory’s closure, the innovation of the Skills Academy was one of the key pillars of new site’s plans.
“The MSIP Skills Academy will complement Scotland’s drive to become net zero by 2045. To achieve these ambitious targets, we need advanced technology and infrastructure, but we also require future-focussed skills.
“The MSIP Skills Academy provides an opportunity for Scotland to be at the forefront of this movement.
“Our partnership with Dundee and Angus College has been crucial to the success of the creation of the MSIP Skills Academy.
“It’s an exceptional institution and their knowledge and expertise in further education, when paired with our industry perspective, has been invaluable.”
