Academies to train 'green army' to battle on behalf of environment

NEARLY 80 jobs and apprenticeships are to be created by the establishment of "Green Academies" to help make homes more energy efficient, the Scottish Government said yesterday.

The training centres, to be run by Scottish Gas, will also teach skills such as how to install solar panels and heating systems.

Housing and communities minister Alex Neil said: "Green Academies will provide people with the right skills to work in the rapidly expanding eco sector. This offers opportunities for a whole new generation of young people - a green army for Scotland - helping to support a sustainable, modern, low-carbon economy."

Betsy Bassis, managing director of Scottish Gas Community Energy, said: "Our academy is designed to give our engineers the skills they need to increase the take-up of renewables technologies across the country."