German Consul General Christiane Hullmann visited Forth Valley College on a fact finding mission today (14/11/24).
College Principal Kenny MacInnes, Colin McMurray, FVC’s Vice Principal of Business and Innovation, Sarah Higgins, FVC’s Vice Principal Learning and Student Experience, and Jamie Allan, Global Partnership Manager, welcomed Ms Hullmann to the Falkirk Campus, where they held a productive mid-morning meeting focussing on the Hydrogen sector, industrial skills, and partnerships with German businesses and educational institutions, before embarking on a tour of the world leading facilities.
Then it was on to the Stirling Campus, where the Consul General enjoyed a delicious lunch at the award winning Gallery training restaurant, before further informative discussions and a tour of the campus.
Consul General, Christiane Hullmann, said: “I am absolutely delighted to have visited Forth Valley College with its exemplary facilities and outstanding range of offers for students. The college leads the way in preparing students for the future and making them experts in the fields that are essential in the years to come.
“Hydrogen is one important sector in which we need skilled people and good partnerships. Germany, like Scotland, has ambitious plans to reach its climate targets. Green hydrogen will be very important in that transition.
“We hope that in the future it will be possible to import green hydrogen from the UK, and Scotland would obviously then play a key role. Extending our partnerships with both educational institutions and businesses here in Scotland is therefore very important and I am pleased to have discussed possible new collaborations during my visit.”
Colin McMurray, said: “We were honoured to welcome Consul General Hullmann to Forth Valley College. This visit was a wonderful opportunity to showcase our flexible, world-class facilities and discuss the exciting potential for collaboration with German industry.
“The Hydrogen sector is particularly promising, aligning with Scotland’s ambitious net-zero targets and broader sustainability goals. As Scotland positions itself as a leader in the transition to a low-carbon economy, partnerships like this are crucial.
“Collaborating with German businesses not only strengthens international ties, but also supports the Scottish Government’s strategy for fostering innovation in renewable energy and driving economic growth through green technologies. We look forward to building on this relationship and exploring joint initiatives that benefit both Scotland and Germany.”
Jamie Allan, added: “It was a pleasure to host Ms Hullmann at two of our stunning campuses and discuss potential collaborations between Forth Valley College and German organisations. The affection between Scotland and Germany has only increased since the Euros football tournament in the summer and was evident at the Hydrogen Expo in Hamburg I attended in October.
“Germany is an increasingly important trade partner of Scotland and the opportunity to establish key links through the Consul General, allows us to have greater impact in presenting the College’s expertise throughout Germany. I’m confident that FVC is prime placed to support several German sectors that the College excels in servicing within the UK and I’m excited to see where this new relationship takes us!”