A University of Aberdeen partnership won the Partnership Award at the 2025 Herald Education Awards last night, Thursday 30 May.
The judges voted the National Energy Skills Accelerator (NESA) – Building Skills for a Just Energy Transition, partnership the best in its category at the event in Glasgow.
Established in June 2021, NESA is a collaborative initiative between the University of Aberdeen, Robert Gordon University, and North East Scotland College and is supported by key partners Skills Development Scotland and Energy Transition Zone Ltd.
NESA works with businesses and training organisations to help create a more flexible, and resilient workforce for the UK’s energy sector. NESA promotes and delivers the skills development programmes required to ensure business has ready access to a competent workforce to accelerate the long-term drive towards meeting net zero targets.
Dr Liz Rattray, Director of Research and Innovation at the University said: "NESA winning the Partnership Award at the 2025 Herald Education Awards is a fantastic recognition of our commitment to driving a just energy transition. This achievement highlights the strength of collaboration between our institutions and industry partners in equipping the UK’s energy workforce with the skills needed for a net-zero future. We look forward to continuing this vital work to support businesses and communities."
The 2025 awards, sponsored by Jisc, QAA Scotland, Studiosity and Theorise was expanded to include more room for the college sector, allowing Scottish colleges and universities to showcase the wide range of services they provide to their students, staff, and communities.