Investing in people is how we power the future

A blog by Dave McKay, Network Director, SSEN Transmission 

I joined the North of Scotland Hydro Electric Board - now SSE - in 1988 as a 17-year-old sponsored student, straight out of school at Elgin Academy. Nearly four decades on, I’m proud to still be part of the business, now serving as Network Director for SSEN Transmission – SSE's high-voltage transmission network business which spans the north of Scotland.  

Like many in our industry, my journey didn’t follow a straight line - but it has always been grounded in opportunity, practical experience, and the people who invested time in helping me learn my trade. 

In many ways, I was following in family footsteps. My father was an overhead linesperson who dedicated 35 years to the company, and his example inspired me to take that first step into engineering. Years later, I’m proud that my own son also spent time with SSEN Transmission - meaning three generations of McKays are now connected to the business. 

Early on, I balanced studying for an engineering degree at Dundee Institute of Technology (now Abertay University) with periods of hands-on training, gaining key practical skills in cables, electrical plant and overhead lines. Following graduation, and my initial training with experienced engineers of various disciplines in Elgin, I moved to Dingwall, becoming a Senior Authorised Person in my first substantive role as an Operations Engineer.  From there I subsequently worked in a range of engineering roles across some of the most beautiful regions of Scotland including Moray, Inverness, the north and west Highlands, Argyll and Aberdeenshire. 

Those early experiences shaped everything that followed. They showed me that while theory matters, practical training is what truly builds confidence, capability and safety in our industry. 

Why training matters more than ever 

The energy system is changing at pace.   At SSEN Transmission, we’re delivering a once-in-a-generation upgrade of the electricity network across the north of Scotland.  Supported by a £29 billion investment programme, it will enable the move to clean power and ensure energy is secure and affordable for the future. 

But infrastructure alone doesn’t deliver that change. People do. 

That’s why I’m passionate about our plans to develop a new £150 million training facility in Aberdeenshire. This isn’t just another project - it’s an investment in the workforce that will power the future. 

Training has evolved significantly over my career.  While learning was once largely on the job, facilities like our centre at Blackhillock have strengthened hands-on training. But the scale of change we now face demands more.  

This new facility will be purpose-built for a modern transmission network, combining classroom learning with practical experience across a wide range of equipment, from transformers, circuit breakers and Gas Insulated Switchgear (GIS) to overhead line structures and cables. 

It will allow people to develop their skills in a safe, controlled environment that reflects the realities of the network they will go on to build, operate and maintain. 

Creating opportunity through a just transition 

One of the most important aspects of this new training hub is the opportunity it creates - not just for our existing workforce, but for those looking to join us or transition into new roles. 

We know that many skilled workers, particularly in areas like the north east of Scotland, have built their careers in high-carbon industries. As we move towards a cleaner energy system, it’s vital that we bring those skills with us. 

This facility will play a key role in supporting that transition, helping people retrain, upskill, and move into long-term careers in the transmission sector. At the same time, it will open doors for the next generation of engineers, technicians and specialists entering the workforce for the first time. 

Put simply, it’s about ensuring the shift to clean power is also a fair and inclusive one. 

Backing early careers and the next generation 

This is something I care deeply about. I started my own career at 17, and I know how important it is to have access to the right opportunities early on. 

Today, I’m proud to support a number of initiatives aimed at helping young people take their first steps into the energy sector, from my role with Industrial Cadets to my involvement with UHI North, West and Hebrides. 

These programmes are vital, but they need to be matched by the right infrastructure and facilities. That’s where the Aberdeenshire training centre will make a real difference - giving people the hands-on experience and confidence they need to build successful, long-term careers. 

It also builds on our wider commitment to create 600 ‘earn as you learn’ roles by 2030, ensuring there are clear, accessible pathways into the industry. 

Investing in communities as well as skills 

As someone who grew up in Elgin and has spent much of my career working across the north of Scotland, I’m particularly pleased to see this investment in Aberdeenshire. 

The region has a strong engineering heritage and continues to play a central role in the UK’s energy story. With major transmission projects planned across the area, it’s the right place to strengthen our presence and invest for the future. 

Beyond training, the facility will support local economic activity, bringing benefits to nearby businesses and creating opportunities within the community. 

For me, that’s an important part of what we do. It’s not just about building infrastructure; it’s about leaving a positive legacy in the communities we serve. 

Looking ahead 

Looking back on my career, I’m grateful for the opportunities I was given. 

Now, it’s our responsibility to create those same opportunities for others. 

The new training facility in Aberdeenshire represents a significant step forward. It strengthens our ability to train and support our workforce, helps deliver a fair transition to clean power, and ensures we are ready to meet the challenges of the future. 

Most importantly, it invests in people - and in my experience, that’s always the most important investment any organisation can make. 

Read more about our plans for a new £150m training facility in the north east.