Addressing skills shortages requires more than identifying the challenge, it requires employers, education providers and industry partners to work together to develop practical solutions.
That collaborative approach is at the heart of a new Debug Technician Training programme delivered by Fife College in partnership with Raytheon UK and CTDI, with the first cohort of trainees recently completing the bespoke course.
Developed in direct response to a recognised skills gap within the electronics industry, the 36-week programme enabled existing employees from Raytheon UK and CTDI to upskill in electronics diagnostics and repair. Delivered one day a week alongside their day-to-day roles, the programme helps businesses strengthen their workforce while creating opportunities for employees to develop new technical skills and progress their careers.
Designed jointly by Fife College, Raytheon UK and CTDI, the curriculum combines academic expertise with industry insight to ensure trainees develop skills that are immediately applicable in the workplace.
Throughout the programme, trainees built expertise across a broad range of subjects, including health and safety in electronics, analogue and digital electronics, diagnostic techniques, fault identification and prevention, quality standards, and the use of specialist equipment such as oscilloscopes, spectrum analysers and LCR meters.
Trainees also completed assessments towards two Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) units at SCQF Level 5, gaining nationally recognised qualifications alongside valuable practical experience.
As demand for specialist technical skills continues to grow across Scotland’s advanced manufacturing and electronics sectors, initiatives like this play an important role in strengthening the talent pipeline. By investing in targeted workforce development and upskilling existing employees, businesses can address skills shortages while supporting employee progression and long-term growth.
The programme received support from both the Scottish Funding Council and Capital City Partnership, as part of the Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region Deal. It was selected as a pilot for the Skills Bootcamp model being introduced in Scotland, an initiative designed to help employers in priority sectors address workforce shortages through flexible, targeted skills development.
Christopher Parker, Head of School – Engineering, Construction & Technical Skills at Fife College, said:
“This programme demonstrates the strength of partnerships. By working closely with employers and responding directly to industry demand, we can develop tailored training programmes that address real workforce challenges while creating opportunities for individuals to develop rewarding careers.
“The success of this first cohort highlights the positive impact that employer-led training can have in supporting workforce development and strengthening key sectors of the local economy.”
The success of the first cohort demonstrates how collaboration between colleges, employers and funding partners can create practical solutions to workforce challenges. By aligning education with business needs, programmes such as the Debug Technician Training programme help businesses remain competitive by developing the skills of their existing workforce while supporting economic growth across the region.
To discuss your organisation’s training requirements, speak to a member of Fife College’s Business Development team on 0344 248 0128 or email sales@fife.ac.uk.
