The investment will be split equally between the Scottish and UK governments over the next three years to expand the Oil and Gas Transition Training Fund.

The fund provides tailored career advice and financial support for training, enabling workers to move into roles within sustainable industries. Launched as a pilot programme in June, the scheme has already supported at least 300 workers in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire this financial year with an initial £1.39m.

This additional investment is expected to support thousands more workers by 2029. Both governments will now collaborate with trade unions and industry to develop the scheme further and explore opportunities for private investment.

Scottish Energy Secretary Gillian Martin emphasised that the funding would help deliver a “fair and managed transition” for the workforce. Her UK counterpart, Ed Miliband, highlighted the plan’s potential to create a “new generation of good industrial jobs,” allowing people to find secure work without leaving their local communities.

The announcement builds on over £120m already invested by the Scottish Government in the North East through its Just Transition and Energy Transition Funds. However, future Scottish Government contributions to the scheme remain contingent on upcoming budgets.