Applications are open
Workers can register, complete the eligibility questions, build a training package and submit an application through the official fund website.
Scotland worker funding
Oil and Gas Transition Training Fund.
Independent guidance for Scottish oil and gas workers checking the open 2026/27 transition training fund before choosing or booking a course.
The Oil and Gas Transition Training Fund offers financial help to eligible Scottish oil and gas workers who need new, industry-recognised training for a specific career in clean or sustainable energy, wider decarbonisation, advanced manufacturing, life sciences or defence. The fund is administered by Skills Development Scotland in partnership with the Scottish and UK Governments.
Applications are open, but submitting an application does not guarantee an award. Skills Development Scotland assesses the worker, target career, proposed training, provider, evidence and available budget. Offshore Personnel does not administer the fund, approve applications or receive course payments.
24-month work window
Applicants normally need to work—or have worked within the previous 24 months—in oil and gas or its supply chains. Career-returner exceptions may be considered.
Complete by March 2027
All approved training and relevant assessments must be completed by 31 March 2027. Training should not be booked before approval.
SDS adviser support
Skills Development Scotland advisers can help workers consider training options and understand the application process before they commit.
Worker eligibility guide
Check the fund before choosing a course.
Use this practical summary to prepare. Skills Development Scotland makes the eligibility, training-package and funding decisions.
Core checks
Who may be eligible?
- Your main residence is in Scotland.
- You have the right to live and work in the UK.
- You currently work, or worked within the previous 24 months, in oil and gas or its supply chains.
- You can provide documents that evidence your eligibility.
Published circumstances
Do not rule yourself out too early.
- People at risk of redundancy can apply.
- Self-employed workers can apply when the other criteria are met.
- Career returners may be considered for an exception to the 24-month rule because of circumstances such as caring responsibilities, illness, disability or injury.
What the application can support
- A contribution towards course costs for approved training.
- Industry-recognised learning required by employers to access a role in an eligible sector.
- Training delivered in the UK or online.
What is excluded
- Training or assessments that have already started.
- Renewal or recertification of existing skills and certificates.
- Travel, accommodation or subsistence costs.
- A further award for applicants funded through the 2025/26 pilot.
Timing and payment facts
- The contribution value is confirmed during the application process.
- Personal or employer money can top up the approved contribution.
- Payment is made directly to the training provider after evidence of completion.
- Approved training should normally be booked within 14 days, begin within one month of booking and finish by 31 March 2027.
Eligible destinations
Training must lead towards a defined career.
- Clean and sustainable energy
- Wider decarbonisation
- Advanced manufacturing
- Life sciences
- Defence
Decision sequence
From target role to verified evidence.
Use a controlled sequence so the course supports a real role and the resulting evidence can be assessed accurately.
Choose one destination role
Identify the specific clean-energy, decarbonisation, manufacturing, life-sciences or defence role you intend to pursue and compare it with your existing qualifications and experience.
Build the evidence
Confirm the training employers require for that role, the learning outcomes, provider, UK delivery location, course dates and costs. Ask the provider for written information suitable for the application.
Register and apply
Use the official fund website to complete the eligibility check, create an account and submit the complete application and supporting evidence. Do not treat registration as funding approval.
Wait for written approval
Book only the programme and provider confirmed by Skills Development Scotland. Approved training must normally be booked within 14 days, start within one month of booking and be completed by 31 March 2027.
Verified next steps
Check the source.
Provider information, funding rules and course availability can change. Use these links to check the current position.
Common questions
Oil and Gas Transition Training Fund questions
These answers explain the route and identify where the official scheme, provider or employer makes the final decision.
Is the Scottish Oil and Gas Transition Training Fund open?
Yes. The official fund website is accepting registrations and applications. Applications remain subject to the published eligibility rules, supporting evidence, assessment and available funding.
Does living in Scotland guarantee funding?
No. Scottish residency and the right to live and work in the UK are only part of the criteria. The applicant must also meet the oil-and-gas worker rules and propose suitable training for one eligible target career.
Can the fund pay for certificate renewal?
No. The published rules exclude certification or recertification of existing skills. The application must demonstrate a need for new skills or learning that materially supports transition into the target career.
Can self-employed workers or people facing redundancy apply?
Yes. The official FAQs state that self-employed workers and people at risk of redundancy can apply, provided they meet the remaining residency, right-to-work, employment-history and training criteria.
Can training take place outside Scotland?
The official FAQs state that training must take place in the UK or online. The provider, course and delivery arrangement still need to be accepted through the application.
Can I add my own or my employer's money?
Yes. The official FAQs allow personal or employer funding to top up the fund contribution. Confirm the approved amount and any remaining personal liability before booking.
When is the training provider paid?
The official FAQs state that payment is made directly to the training provider after evidence that the training has been completed.
Should I book training before applying?
No. First register, apply and wait for Skills Development Scotland to confirm the approved programme, contribution and provider in writing. A booking can create personal liability if it falls outside the award or funding is withdrawn.
Does Offshore Personnel approve the funding or training provider?
No. Offshore Personnel provides independent worker guidance. Skills Development Scotland assesses applications and confirms the approved programme, contribution and provider.