Training – The NEN – North Edinburgh News

Next generation of builders and carers ‘set to rebuild Britain’

Westminster government announces radical skills reforms giving young people opportunity to develop skills in priority areas for the country

Young people are set to benefit from 120,000 new training opportunities as part of a ‘radical skills revolution’, giving them the chance to develop skills where they are most needed across the workforce to rebuild Britain.

More skilled brickies, carpenters and healthcare support workers will soon be trained up as the UK Government continues it’s drive to get Britain working, with landmark reforms announced today that refocus the skills landscape towards young, domestic talent.

The measures, backed by a record-breaking £3 billion apprenticeship budget, will open up opportunities for young people to succeed in careers the country vitally needs to prosper.

More routes into skilled work means more people building affordable homes, more care for NHS patients and more digital experts to push our economy forward. This includes an additional 30,000 apprenticeship starts across this Parliament.

This unprecedented investment is a critical step in delivering the government’s Plan for Change mission to create a decade of national renewal. They say they are backing our young people and investing in skills as an engine of economic growth – putting more money in people’s back pockets and breaking down barriers to opportunity.

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said: “A skilled workforce is the key to steering the economy forward, and today we’re backing the next generation by giving young people more opportunities to learn a trade, earn a wage and achieve and thrive.

“When we invest in skills for young people, we invest in a shared, stronger economic future – creating opportunities as part of our Plan for Change.

“But everyone has a role to play in a thriving economy, and we’re taking our responsibility seriously providing more routes into employment, it’s now the responsibility of young people to take them.”

To support this, the Westminster government is:

Implementing a 32% increase in the Immigration Skills Charge, which will deliver up to 45,000 additional training places to upskill the domestic workforce and reduce reliance on migration in priority sectors. As announced in the recent Immigration White Paper.
Refocusing funding away from Level 7 (masters-level) apprenticeships from January 2026, while maintaining support for those aged 16-21 and existing apprentices. This will enable levy funding to be rebalanced towards training at lower levels, where it can have the greatest impact.
Launched 13 new Level 2 construction courses for adults in non-devolved areas under the Free Courses for Jobs scheme.

In addition to the £3bn apprenticeship budget, the government is backing the new generation of workers through:

£14 million of adult skills funding for construction to be devolved to local mayors for next academic year, expected to support up to 5,000 additional adult learners.
£136 million for Skills Bootcamps across a range of priority sectors in 2025-26, providing training to over 40,000 learners.
£100 million over four years to expand Construction Skills Bootcamps.
Ten Technical Excellence Colleges specialising in construction skills, opening in September 2025.

As part of the UK government’s Plan for Change, the reforms are a vital step in delivering our youth guarantee and addressing skills shortages to drive growth while creating better opportunities for young people and adults across England.

Today’s announcement comes following a dramatic fall in the number of apprenticeship starts over the last decade, and as recent ONS statistics show as many as one in eight 16-24 year olds are not in employment, education or training.

Aldi offers virtual work experience to aspiring young people in Edinburgh

Young people in Edinburgh interested in exploring a career in retail can now sign up to Aldi’s virtual work experience programme.

Open to students in the UK aged 13 and over, the free online course is designed to build skills and introduce students to the wide range of careers available in retail – from warehouse operations to office-based roles.

Created in partnership with Springpod, the programme includes a series of videos and guidance from Aldi colleagues, alongside interactive quizzes and activities.

Upon completion, participants receive a certificate to enhance their CVs or future applications.

Lisa Murphy, Training and Development Director at Aldi UK, said: “At Aldi, we understand that not everyone has access to in-person work experience. That’s why we’ve created a flexible virtual programme that allows participants to learn at their own pace, fitting around their schedules.

“This initiative not only provides young people with a real insight into what it’s like to work at Aldi but also makes it possible for them to experience this, no matter where they are in the UK.

“Since launching, we’ve already attracted more than 2,000 sign-ups and hope to inspire even more young people to explore careers in retail through this accessible and engaging platform.”

Aldi is also looking to recruit more than 500 new apprentices across the UK in 2025, with opportunities across stores and warehouse roles now live.

Young people interested in signing up to the virtual work experience can visit:
https://www.aldirecruitment.co.uk/early-careers/apprenticeships.

£3.4 million for Scotland’s hydrogen future

Projects across the country to receive a share of funding

Eleven projects designed to accelerate Scotland’s hydrogen economy are set to benefit from a share of £3.4 million funding.

The Scottish Government funding will help develop green hydrogen production, improve the hydrogen supply chain, and enhance hydrogen transport and storage infrastructure.

Opening a parliamentary debate on Scotland’s hydrogen future, Acting Net Zero Cabinet Secretary Gillian Martin said: “Hydrogen stands as a critical pillar of Scotland’s route to net zero by 2045, but also, alongside the development of our offshore wind capacity, as one of Scotland’s greatest industrial opportunities since the discovery of oil and gas in the North Sea.

“A just transition remains at the heart of our approach, and we are determined that no community, particularly those which have powered our economy for generations, will be left behind as we move away from burning fossil fuels towards a low carbon energy system.

“We are working to build a hydrogen economy in which the benefits of our energy transition are shared, and which harnesses the full potential of our skilled people, our worldclass industries, and our natural resources.”

In September 2024 the Scottish Government invited projects to apply for a match-funding grant award of up to 50%, to the maximum value of £2 million.

Shortlisting saw 18 projects invited to submit a full application to delivery partner Scottish Enterprise, with funding ultimately provided to 11 successful projects.

Hydrogen action plan – gov.scot

Lead Organisation	Project Title	Council Area	Grant Award
European Marine Energy Centre	Sustainable Fuels Orkney	Orkney Islands	£375,000
Green Cat Hydrogen Ltd.	Creca Hydrogen Facility	Dumfries and Galloway	£490,088
Green Cat Hydrogen Ltd.	Strathallan Hydrogen	Perth and Kinross	£320,549
Green Cat Hydrogen Ltd.	Binn Ecopark Hydrogen	Perth and Kinross	£258,478
Protium Green Solutions	Protium Lanark – Hydrogen Island	South Lanarkshire	£450,619
SSE Hydrogen Developments	Peterhead 1&2 Hydrogen	Aberdeenshire	£162,600
Statkraft Hydrogen UK Holding Ltd	Shetland Hydrogen Project 2 Pre-FEED	Shetland Islands	£270,500
Storegga Hydrogen (Cromarty)	Cromarty Hydrogen Phase 2 Longman	Highland	£238,400
Storegga Hydrogen (Cromarty)	Cromarty Hydrogen Phase 2 Muir of Ord	Highland	£290,155
Glacier Energy	Feasibility and Industrial Research	Aberdeen City	£382,000
Hydrasun	Standardised Tube Trailer Industrial Hydrogen Offtaker Panels	Multiple: Aberdeen City; Glasgow City; Highland	£147,122

UK’s first hydrogen training centre opens for next generation of green gas engineers

UK’s first hydrogen training centre for Gas Safe* registered engineers opens at Fife College.
Over 100 local engineers will be upskilled to safely install and maintain hydrogen appliances for SGN’s H100 Fife project.
The centre is a key milestone for H100 Fife which will deliver an end-to-end green hydrogen gas network, providing heating and cooking for several hundred local homes.
GMB union, SGN and Fife College leaders highlight the need to upskill gas workers for a low-carbon future.

Energy network SGN and Fife College are celebrating the opening of the UK’s first hydrogen training centre for gas engineers yesterday.

The facility, located at Fife College’s Levenmouth Campus, will train over 100 Gas Safe registered engineers this year, equipping them with the green skills needed to safely convert homes from natural gas to hydrogen.

This training is essential for the engineers who will be involved in SGN’s green hydrogen trial, H100 Fife, which will supply green hydrogen to homes in Levenmouth through a new purpose-built network.

Gary Smith, General Secretary of GMB, the UK’s largest energy union, welcomed the launch. He said: “The opening of this hydrogen training centre is a milestone for the gas industry and its workforce. As we transition to a net-zero economy, it’s vital that we not only protect jobs but also ensure that workers are upskilled for the future.

“This centre will empower today’s engineers to safely work with hydrogen while preparing them for roles that will shape the transition to green energy. It’s a testament to the resilience of the workforce and their ability to adapt to the changing energy landscape.”

The training centre offers hands-on experience with hydrogen appliances and systems, supported by leading manufacturers such as, Baxi, Worcester Bosch, Clean Burner Systems (CBS), Bosch Home Appliances and MeteRSit.

It will ensure that engineers gain the knowledge and competency to safely install, test, and maintain hydrogen appliances and heating systems in domestic settings, advancing the UK’s transition to green energy solutions. Every engineer taking part will gain an official hydrogen qualification added to their Gas Safe registration.

Simon Kilonback, CEO of SGN, commented: “The opening of the UK’s first hydrogen training centre for Gas Safe engineers is a major milestone for SGN and the energy sector as a whole.

“We’re excited to be working with the local community as we deliver our end-to-end hydrogen network in Fife. This is a key part of our wider plans to harness the potential of green gasses like hydrogen and biomethane to help decarbonise homes and businesses.”

Training will be delivered to local Gas Safe registered engineers in Fife by expert trainers with experience in delivering gas training with support from industry professionals. SGN has developed the courses in partnership with Fife College for the past two years, alongside key stakeholders such as certification body BPEC, Energy & Utility Skills and the Institution of Gas Engineers and Managers (IGEM).

Jim Metcalfe, Principal of Fife College, said: “Fife College is proud to be a national leader in clean energy skills as we launch this dedicated hydrogen training facility. We are honoured to work in such a deep and innovative partnership with SGN.

“Through this cutting-edge centre at our Levenmouth Campus, we are working to upskill over 100 engineers with the specialist knowledge needed to support the UK’s transition to net zero.

“This collaboration with SGN forms part of our wider commitment to sustainability, which also includes the opening of our new Dunfermline City Campus – Scotland’s first net-zero-ready vocational training campus – later this year. Together, these landmark developments place Fife College at the forefront of delivering the skills and infrastructure needed to shape a more sustainable future for us all.”

The engineers being trained from SGN, Baxi, Worcester Bosch and Warmworks will help convert natural gas homes over to hydrogen when the H100 Fife trial launches later this year. Fife Council staff will also be trained as part of SGN’s commitment to future-proof local engineers for the challenges ahead.

The opening of the training centre is a landmark event in SGN’s efforts to support the UK’s transition to net zero and underscores the vital role of skilled engineers in integrating hydrogen as a key low-carbon energy source.

Bosses urged to do more to support neurodiverse staff

Report shows staff turnover reduced by proactive support

New research published today by workplace expert Acas, highlights the importance of training and proactive action to support neurodiverse staff.

Neurodiversity describes the natural differences in how people’s brains process information, and how they feel and behave. Well-known types of neurodivergence include neurodevelopmental conditions such as ADHD, autism, dyslexia and dyspraxia.

The report emphasises the importance of training and supporting managers, so they know how to treat and support their neurodivergent staff.

The research shows that creating inclusive environments and personalised adjustments can be achieved proactively, without the need for a formal diagnosis or staff disclosure.

Acas Interim Chief Executive Dan Ellis said: “It is estimated that between 15-20% of UK adults are neurodivergent. This is a potentially enormous number of workers who may not be getting the support they need.

“Our research outlines the urgent need to put support for neurodivergent people at the heart of workplace policies and training, and the huge benefits for businesses when that happens.

“Taking steps to support neurodivergent staff is often quick, easy and inexpensive, but the advantages can be widespread. We encourage employers to make sure they do everything they can to support their staff.”

The independent research was conducted by Birkbeck, University of London, for Acas. The researchers combined insights from experts working in neuroinclusion, in depth case studies and a summary of published evidence.

The research found that neuroinclusion is possible in all workplaces, whether large or small.

The research documents good practice including how to manage performance in neurodiverse teams and the benefit of small changes, such as accessible written materials.

The research found that one small business which is incorporating neuroinclusion proactively, reduced its staff turnover to 8%, against a national average of 34%.

The report found that:

· Proactively supporting neurodivergent staff and creating inclusive work environments where neurodivergent talents are supported can benefit everyone at work.

· Mandatory and regularly updated neurodiversity training is key to promoting inclusive workplaces.

· Line managers are pivotal in supporting neurodivergent employees so it’s vital they have the necessary training to facilitate inclusion.

· Being proactive in making reasonable adjustments shouldn’t require a diagnosis or formal disclosure from staff.

· Specialised adjustments may require balancing of individual and organisational needs. Smaller businesses with limited resources may find external support from organisations like Acas useful.

Professor Almuth McDowall at Birkbeck, University of London leads a research centre dedicated to supporting neurodivergent talent. She said: “It was a privilege to learn from our participants and share good practice. It is very important that neuroinclusion is part of wider conversations about workplace equity and inclusion.

“Conversations about adjustments should focus on performance optimisation to harness neurodivergent talent. Simple and centralised processes are important to reduce the burden on managers.

“Our case studies show that good practice can reduce turnover to as low as 8%. Organisations should set themselves clear targets for neuroinclusion and monitor and publish data.”

The report also shows that some workplaces are taking an innovative approach to neuroinclusion.

Jodie Hill is Managing Partner at Thrive Law, a business that prioritises inclusion and support for its neurodivergent staff. She said: “The benefits of introducing reasonable adjustments for neurodivergent staff at Thrive has been overwhelming, particularly for me as a neurodivergent leader.

“Having the adjustments in place not only helps me, but it helps my team, and my clients, understand my needs.

“By creating a neurodiverse workplace, we create a competitive advantage and a workplace that has cognitive differences. We support people’s strengths and create an environment where those individuals can thrive.”

A full copy of the report can be viewed online https://www.acas.org.uk/research-and-commentary/neurodiversity-at-work-research-practice-and-policy

Students come together for biggest ever nursing and midwifery careers day at Edinburgh Napier

More than 450 attend annual event

More than 450 students and almost 100 healthcare professionals have come together at Edinburgh Napier University’s biggest-ever nursing and midwifery careers day at its Sighthill campus.

Hosted in the University’s ENGAGE sports facility this week (4 Feb 2025), the event gave attendees the opportunity to meet with employers and learn more about available graduate roles in both nursing and midwifery.

Alongside the NHS, the range of healthcare professionals in attendance was wide and varied with organisations such as the Royal Navy Medical Branch, Royal Air Force, Marie Curie, CHAS, The Royal College of Nursing, William Quarrier Scottish Epilepsy Centre and private healthcare providers represented at the event.

Also in attendance were a range of Edinburgh Napier services including its Student Futures careers team – who helped organise the event – the University’s Alumni team, Bright Red Triangle, Edinburgh Napier’s hub for enterprise practice, a postgraduate recruitment team and a School of Health and Social Care research team.

Exhibitors were also able to undertake tours of the learning facilities at the University’s Sighthill campus, including its purpose-built Simulation and Clinical Skills Centre.

Students studying undergraduate and postgraduate Nursing, Midwifery, Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy and Social Work programmes at Edinburgh Napier are taught within the centre, benefitting from realistic environments and NHS ward-like settings.

Professor Susan Dawkes, Dean of Edinburgh Napier’s School of Health and Social Care, said: “It was great to welcome so many employers on campus to meet our students and showcase the wealth of career options open to graduate nurses and midwives, from joining the NHS to opportunities to join the health and medical teams in the armed forces, or exploring some of the many other career options now open.

“Employers too were delighted to join tours of our Simulation and Clinical Skills Centre, which remains at the forefront of practical training for our student nurses and midwives.”

Adam Watling, Head of Edinburgh Napier’s Student Futures team, said: “Our nursing and midwifery careers day has been one of the biggest and best yet, and we are so pleased with the reach it has had and the experience of our students and visiting health care professionals across the day.

“The success is thanks to the effective collaboration between Student Futures and School of Health and Social and the planning and focus on securing a range of exhibitors for our many students to meet throughout the day.

“As a University, Edinburgh Napier is dedicated to ensuring that our students have the best possible careers support before and after graduation, and these types of events are a critical part of that commitment.

“We are looking forward to sharing success stories from across the day as we start to review the many insights that emerge from attendees, in the weeks and months to follow.”

Edinburgh Napier University is one of the largest providers of nursing and midwifery education in Scotland offering courses in a variety of nursing specialisms including adult nursing, child health nursing, learning disability nursing and mental health nursing.

The programmes are part of the University’s School of Health and Social Care which is home to a vibrant academic community of more than 3,000 students and 120 staff.

More information on the School itself can be found at:

https://www.napier.ac.uk/about-us/our-schools/the-school-of-health-and-social-care.

Extend Child Benefit for your teen by 31 August

Child Benefit can be claimed for children after they turn 16 if they are staying on in approved education or training

Parents have less than 2 weeks to tell HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) their 16-19 year-old is continuing education or training or their Child Benefit payments will stop.

Hundreds of thousands of teenagers will decide on their future this week as they receive their GCSE results on Thursday (22 August 2024).

For parents of 16-19 year-olds who haven’t yet extended their claim, Child Benefit payments will stop after 31 August. If their child is going to continue in approved education or training, parents can continue receiving Child Benefit and HMRC is urging them to extend their claim now.

To make sure they do not miss out, parents can quickly and easily extend their Child Benefit claim online on GOV.UK or via the HMRC app. More than 270,000 parents have extended their claim digitally so far, with the changes applied to their record without the need to wait on the phone.

Parents should keep their claim details up to date, even if they’ve opted not to receive Child Benefit payments due to the High Income Child Benefit Charge. Parents who want to opt back into receiving Child Benefit payments, can do this quickly and easily online on GOV.UK or in the HMRC app.

Child Benefit is worth up to £1,331 a year for the first or only child, and up to £881 a year for every additional child.

Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s Director General for Customer Services, said: “Child Benefit is an important financial support for many households and we don’t want to see any eligible family miss out.

“You can extend your claim quickly and easily online or via the HMRC app, just search ‘Child Benefit when your child turns 16’ on GOV.UK.”

Victoria Benson, CEO of Gingerbread, the charity for single parent families, said: “Child Benefit is valuable to families and particularly single parent families, who are forced to make ends meet on a single income.

“It’s really important, with the 31 August deadline fast approaching, that parents whose children are going into further education and training extend their claim as soon as possible to avoid missing out on this crucial financial help.”

Child Benefit can continue to be paid for children who are studying full time in non-advanced education, which includes:

A levels or Scottish Highers
International Baccalaureate
Home education – if it started before their child turned 16, or after 16 if they have a statement of special educational needs and it was assessed by the local authority
T levels
NVQs, up to level 3

Child Benefit will also continue for children studying on one of these unpaid approved training courses:

in Wales: Foundation Apprenticeships, Traineeships or the Jobs Growth Wales+ scheme
in Northern Ireland: PEACEPLUS Youth Programme 3.2, Training for Success or Skills for Life and Work
in Scotland: the No One Left Behind programme.

If a child changes their mind about further education or training, parents can simply inform HMRC online or via the HMRC app and payments will be adjusted accordingly.

Parents can check the status of their claims at any time by viewing their proof of entitlement in the app or online.

Parents will need a Government Gateway user ID and password to use HMRC’s online services. If they do not have one already, they can register on GOV.UK and will just need their National Insurance number or postcode, and 2 forms of ID.

North Edinburgh Childcare: Nurturing Futures employment support

Now that the schools are back, are you looking for a job to fill the time but don’t know where to start?

Our Nurturing Futures programme has been designed to support parents in North Edinburgh looking to get back to work. Working with our Employability Officer, Lynne, you will build skills and confidence to get the job you really want.

As well as receiving support from Lynne with job searching, you may also take advantage of the free childcare support available to allow you to attend interviews or training or just free up time to focus on their job searching.

Contact Lynne at lynne.woodman@northedinburghchildcare.co.uk for more information.

Police Scotland to offer Rider Refinement courses

A motorcyclist course that gives tips on better riding is now available across the country.

Police Scotland, along with road safety partners, are holding courses to help motorcyclists as part of a holistic approach which also includes educating other drivers to reduce the number of collisions.

Motorcyclist deaths are up 80 per cent (18) this year compared to the same period last year (10).

Rider Refinement East and West is a one-day course, with eight sessions between August 2024 and October 2024 in Glenrothes and Glasgow.

Led by police motorcyclists and accompanied by an observer from the Institute of Advance Motorists, the course will look at key risk factors and provide riders with the knowledge and skills to be safer.

The course involves demonstration rides, observed rides with feedback from officers, vehicle examination checks of riders’ bikes and safety checks that should be carried out before any journey.

Previous courses received positive feedback from riders who changed their riding style and improved their skills as a result of attending Rider Refinement.

Inspector Ally Johnson, head of Police Scotland’s Motorcycle Unit, said: “The course is about engaging with motorcyclists and helping them make better decisions to improve their riding.

“This isn’t about taking the fun out of riding a bike. The course is run by motorcyclists, for motorcyclists.

“On a daily basis we also speak to other road users and highlight campaigns to encourage drivers to look out for motorcyclists, especially at corners and junctions.

“The harsh reality is people are dying on Scotland’s roads and we need everyone to play their part to help us improve road safety.

“I would encourage people to come along, speak to us and try the course for yourself.”

The course is open to any qualified motorcyclist who hold a full cat A or A2 licence; however, priority will be given to those living in central belt of Scotland.

Police Scotland would like to specifically thank Donald Malcolm Heritage Centre and Motorcycle Law Scotland for their continued support with Rider Refinement East and West.

Rider Refinement originally started in the north in 2018, before extending to the East in 2023 and is now rolled out to the West in 2024.

The cost of the course is £40 per rider and includes lunch. Spaces are limited, so providing more than one date for attendance will increase your chances of being able to participate.

Anyone interested in attending the course can email:

operationriderrefinementeast@scotland.police.uk for courses in Glenrothes, or operationriderrefinementwest@scotland.police.uk for courses in the Glasgow area.

The dates the course will be running are:

East, Glenrothes Police Station
Saturday 17th August
Saturday 28th September
Sunday 20th October

West, Donald Malcolm Heritage Centre in Linwood
Sunday 11th August
Monday 2nd September
Sunday 15th September
Saturday 5th October
Thursday 17th October

Surgeons train for conflict zone aid in landmark course

Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh & David Nott Foundation collaborate to address critical shortage of skilled surgical care in disaster zones

The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh (RCSEd), in partnership with the David Nott Foundation (DNF), has launched an intensive training course designed to equip surgeons with the vital skills needed to save lives in conflict and disaster zones.

Aimed at medical professionals who work in, or are planning to travel to, conflict and catastrophe zones around the world, the first course was held on June 3-7 at RCSEd’s Skills Lab in Edinburgh, with a second scheduled for December 2024.

The Hostile Environment Surgical Training UK (HEST-UK) course brought together UK-based surgeons and those from war-torn regions, including six participants from Ukraine and one from Libya, for a transformative week of intensive training.

The course – which equips surgeons to surgically treat a wide range of traumatic injuries, from head wounds to blast wounds – marks the first successful partnership between RCSEd’s Faculty of Remote, Rural and Humanitarian Healthcare (FRRHH) and DNF, aiming to upskill surgeons who aspire to make a difference in the humanitarian space.

Professor Angus Watson, FRRHH Executive Committee Member, who helped facilitate the course, said: “The impact of this course has already been profound, and will save countless lives in future.

“By combining DNF’s expertise with RCSEd’s dedication to professional standards in humanitarian healthcare, this partnership promises to empower medical professionals and add to their skillset and provide crucial care in the most difficult of circumstances.”

The HEST-UK course offers a unique and rigorous training experience, drawing on the extensive frontline expertise of Professor David Nott, Co-Founder of the David Nott Foundation, who has over 30 years of experience in some of the world’s most dangerous conflict zones.

Participants are trained in a broad range of trauma care skills, from triage and head wounds to penetrating injuries and obstetric emergencies, preparing them as generalist trauma surgeons ready to provide care in any situation.

Dr. Israar Ul-Haq, a doctor specialising in urgent and pre-hospital care based in West Midlands, near Birmingham, joined a previous HEST-UK course to refine his trauma surgery skills before deploying to Gaza. His experience in Gaza’s crisis zones underscored the real-world impact of the training.

He said: “The course impacted every aspect of my work in Gaza, such as understanding the local environment and the types of injuries we encountered. Techniques like thoracotomy and bleeding control learned during the course became standard procedures in our daily practice.

“Whether it was performing chest drains, managing blast injuries, or treating burns, the training equipped me with the skills I needed.”

The course offers a strong progression from FRRHH’s Introduction to Humanitarian Healthcare Course, launched back in 2021.

Professor Rowan Parks, President of RCSEd, commented: “We are incredibly proud of our partnership with the David Nott Foundation and the tremendous impact of the Hostile Environment Surgical Training (HEST-UK) course.

“This collaboration represents a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to support and equip surgeons who are committed to providing life-saving care in the most challenging and austere environments, through innovative and accessible training programmes.”

Elly Nott, Co-Founder of the David Nott Foundation, said: “Wherever there is conflict, there is a need for well-trained doctors to provide safe, skilled surgical care. We are delighted to join forces with the RCSEd to run Hostile Environment Surgical Training-UK, a course dedicated to preparing surgeons for the injuries they encounter and treat in war.

“Our programme is taught by surgeons with decades of experience in conflict and catastrophe zones and informed by our values of compassion, excellence and resilience.”

Training towards a bright future with Culture & Business Scotland

With the need for culture organisations to diversify and expand their skills more acute than ever, Culture & Business Scotland have unveiled a series of training opportunities and events designed to help the nation’s creative professionals equip themselves with new knowledge.

The charity, which works to facilitate mutually beneficial connections between the culture and business sectors, will host a series of upcoming events giving organisations well-rounded education in a range of subjects including fundraising through storytelling, legacy giving and the principles of board membership.

Next week, a short course on board membership taking place on Tuesday 4th June will give new trustees and board members access to two informative, hands-on sessions introducing them to their new roles and responsibilities.

On Tuesday 4th and Tuesday 11th June two sessions will explore the five stages of the copywriting process, while additional training courses will help participants to deeper their understanding of corporate sponsorship and discover the benefits and possibilities of legacy giving campaigns.

Along with full-length courses, Culture & Business Scotland run a series of Insights Webinars designed to empower individuals and organisations in the culture sector with knowledge and expertise from industry experts, and networking events, allowing attendees the chance to connect and collaborate with like-minded professionals in the culture sector.

David Watt, Chief Executive of Culture & Business Scotland said: ‘Our programme of events is designed to help both members and non-members to expand their skillsets and knowledge and empower them to feel confident in all aspects of their work.

“Thanks to expert guidance and structured, practical sessions, participants will gain a solid foundation in skills that are crucial in the evolving landscape of Scotland’s culture environment’.

Individuals and organisations interested in attending an event can find further information here: https://www.cultureandbusiness.scot/training-events/