subject: Industrial Revolution Will Create Green Jobs [print this page] An environmental industrial revolution in Scotland may see an increased demand for green energy courses, according to Jim Murphy.
Up to 50,000 green collar jobs will be generated in the country by 2015 if Labour is elected at the next general election, said the secretary for state for Scotland while on a visit to Pelamis Wave Power in Edinburgh.
Mr Murphy's pledge that thousands of green jobs will be created is part of Labour's general election manifesto, which also includes the promise of a Green Investment Bank that would provide 2 billion for green projects across the United Kingdom.
He said: "Labour wants to bring a Green Industrial Revolution to Scotland. The green technologies being developed in Scotland are world leading and need support to grow.
"Scotland's green industries will not only generate clean energy, but will generate jobs. With the right approach, green industries will bring tens of thousands of jobs to Scotland."
An increasing number of people may be needed to take green energy courses in order to learn the specific skills needed to cope with the proposed rise in green collar jobs.
Potential green energy courses that people may be interested in could include a certification in Solar Domestic Hot Water, which will train students how to install a solar thermal system.
It is estimated there are currently 50,000 solar hot water installations in the United Kingdown and that number is continuing to increase resulting in a growing demand for competent, qualified installers.
Furthermore, with environmental awareness and energy prices continue to rise, more people may be needed to take green energy courses as households will be looking to reduce their carbon footprint and heating costs.
Mark Lazarowicz, Labour candidate for Edinburgh North and Leith, said: "Labour's promise to people will kick start a green industrial revolution that will grow local businesses and bring jobs to Edinburgh.
"I believe that a number of these jobs should come to Edinburgh and if re-elected, I will campaign for this to happen."
Mr Lazarowicz successfully piloted the Climate Change and Sustainable Energy Act, a private members bill into law in 2006.
New regulations have been laid by the Scottish Government which it claims will build further on its Climate Change Act and its target of reducing carbon emissions by 42 per cent by 2020.
In related news, an increasing number of people may be needed to take plumbing courses after the Scottish government launched its boiler scrappage scheme this month.
