Energy Minister Michael Shanks joined SGN CEO Simon Kilonback to mark SGN’s commitment to Scotland’s energy future
SGN – Scotland’s gas network – has opened its new national training centre, a flagship investment that strengthens the company’s long‑standing commitment to Scotland and reinforces its position at the heart of the country’s energy sector.
The state‑of‑the‑art facility in Cambuslang, Glasgow, was officially opened by Energy Minister Michael Shanks MP today [Thursday 15 January], who praised the company’s commitment to ensuring a highly skilled workforce to deliver a secure and resilient energy system for decades to come.
The new centre, complete with a ‘Safety Street’ consisting of replica properties, brings together advanced technology, hands‑on learning environments and expert tuition. The flagship centre provides immersive, real-world simulations – from high-pressure control rigs to a two-storey ‘safety street’ – as well as six technology-enabled classrooms. It is designed to set a new benchmark for training and safety across the sector.
It will play a vital role in developing SGN’s highly skilled workforce, equipping up to 600 engineers, apprentices and trainees each year with the skills needed to support Scotland through the energy transition.
Speaking at the event, Energy Minister Michael Shanks MP said:
“The gas network will continue to play a key role in our energy system as we transition to clean, more secure, homegrown energy – with Scotland to benefit from an extra 40,000 good jobs in clean energy sectors by 2030.
“For decades, Scotland has been at the heart of Britain's energy sector, and SGN's new training centre will equip the next generation of Scottish engineers with the skills to continue this legacy in powering Britain.”
SGN CEO Simon Kilonback with Energy Minister Michael Shanks
SGN CEO Simon Kilonback with Energy Minister Michael Shanks
Simon Kilonback, Chief Executive Officer at SGN, said:
“SGN is a highly skilled engineering organisation playing a critical role in today's energy system, and this state-of-the-art facility demonstrates our commitment to training, skills and operational excellence. It represents a major investment in our people and our future workforce.
“Our new national training centre also highlights our commitment to Scotland and to our 2m household and industrial customers who rely on us every day.
“Through the delivery of industry-leading training, we’re ensuring our teams have the skills, confidence and expertise to deliver a safe, resilient gas network that will be at the heart of Scotland’s energy system for years to come.”
During the event, Minister Shanks had the opportunity to experience the cutting-edge facilities and speak with SGN colleagues including trainees, apprentices and long-serving colleagues.
He also met multi-skilled specialist trainers who will deliver courses for each frontline role. They will ensure each operative receives tailored development with a particular focus on the most important safety-critical tasks.
To ensure the facility will support all colleagues, around 100 stakeholders also helped shape the redesigned training materials to be more inclusive and accessible for neurodiverse colleagues, ensuring every learner feels supported.
The new training centre will transform SGN’s training offer and is part of a network of high-quality facilities in Scotland which are redefining skills and training across the organisation.
