Edinburgh College shortlisted for Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce Innovation in Business Award
Edinburgh College has been shortlisted for an ECC Business Award in the Innovation in Business category, for its collaboration with Inch Cape Offshore Wind Farm to create new pathways for students to begin careers in renewable energy.
The prestigious awards recognise organisations which show a high degree of creativity and dynamism in successfully developing their business, alongside innovative methods which set them apart from competitors.
The partnership between the College and Inch Cape, which started in 2024, aims to address skills gaps in the fast-growing offshore wind sector, and prepare Scotland’s future workforce for a net-zero economy. Rather than relying on traditional classroom teaching, a new approach focusing on dynamic learning experiences has helped engage learners from primary school right through to apprenticeships.
The flagship project, Gen-Sea, is a strategy-based computer game which promotes critical thinking, problem-solving, and environmental awareness. Through immersive design, learners can design their own offshore wind farm, explore subsea cabling and the national grid, and solve real engineering challenges in a fun, interactive format.
Neale Gardiner, Director of Income Generation and Partnerships at Edinburgh College, says the nomination is well-deserved:
“Being shortlisted for this award recognises the fantastic work Edinburgh College is doing with local employers and cements our reputation as a sector leader in innovation. Our partnership with Inch Cape is helping prepare students to enter the critically important offshore wind sector, as Scotland seeks to meet its climate ambitions. I’d like to offer my congratulations to everyone involved in the partnership.”
Ronald Eldridge, the Head of School for Engineering, says it’s a great reflection of the strength of the collaboration between the College and Inch Cape:
“The partnership with Inch Cape has been hugely beneficial for our students, and it’s great to see the hard work of everyone involved being recognised. Offshore-wind is one of the fastest growing sectors in Scotland, and it’s essential we ensure the next generation of workers are as prepared as they can be to enter the workforce. A huge congratulations is in order for everyone who has put in so much effort.”
The winners are set to be announced at the annual awards ceremony on the 26th of February.