Funding available for zero-emission switch training

New funding, worth £400,000, has been announced to help prepare Scottish workforces for the switch to zero-emission heavy duty vehicles (HDVs), including buses and coaches.

The Scottish Government’s Zero Emissions HDV Skills Challenge Fund is aimed at supporting organisations to address some of the key skills and workforce challenges the sector is facing as efforts are made to accelerate the transition.

“The Zero Emission Heavy Duty Vehicles Skills Challenge Fund is being launched to support organisations in addressing the key challenges for the sector” – Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Fiona Hyslop

Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Fiona Hyslop, said: “The transition to net zero will lead to a change in the type of jobs within the transport sector, so it’s essential we help workers access the skills they need to adapt to and support that change.

“The Zero Emission Heavy Duty Vehicles Skills Challenge Fund is being launched to support organisations in addressing the key challenges for the sector – covering issues such as access to training, increasing diversity and encouraging private investment in skills.

“The delivery of this fund is a Programme For Government commitment and I encourage companies to take this opportunity to develop skills for the transition and tackle long-standing workforce challenges making the sector more attractive to new entrants.”

The fund is open to private, public and third sector organisations. The total available funding for all projects is £400,000. Awards for individual projects are not expected to exceed £100,000. All funded activity must be complete by 31 March 2026.

• To apply, download the application pack and follow the instructions. The deadline for return of applications is 12pm 9 July 2025.