Perth training centre 'valuable to employees in energy sector'

A new £5 million training centre in Perth will help boost Scotland's economic success.

The centre, which was developed by Scottish and Southern Energy (SSE) will train more than 2,000 staff a year. This will also include its own employees and school leavers.

It will provide operational and development training for all parts of SSE, including electricity generation, electricity and gas networks, home services, energy efficiency and electrical and utility contracting.

As well as the facilities on offer for operational employees, the centre will provide a location for other employee training requirements, such as management training.

Finance Secretary John Swinney opened the centre, which was developed in a former warehouse on Inveralmond industrial estate.

"SSE is investing in the future and I welcome the company's continuing commitment to providing reliable and sustainable energy," he said.

SSE's plans are to invest around £6.7 billion between 2008 and 2013, principally in renewable energy.