The multi-million pound hub, situated on the River Clyde, is the first of its kind in central and southern Scotland, and has attracted workers in the marine and oil and gas industries from all over the world.

International delegates, as well as those from across the UK, are able to complete mandatory and industry enhancing safety training courses at the facility.

Mr Yousaf toured the purpose-built centre and praised the vital role CTS is playing supporting Scotland’s offshore and maritime sectors.

Speaking after the visit he said:

“It’s a pleasure to get to see the world class facilities on offer first hand and to meet the instructors.

“Scotland’s maritime and offshore sectors have an incredibly important role in our national economy, contributing billions of pounds and supporting tens of thousands of jobs.

“The training hub’s location on the banks of the river Clyde, with great connectivity through road, rail and air transport links, acknowledges our rich maritime history and looks to build for the future.

“The CTS team are also part of the Scottish Maritime Cluster and are playing a key role in helping boost economic growth and securing a larger share of the global maritime market.”

The training campus, located close to the former site of the world renowned John Brown Shipyard, houses multiple classrooms, a training pool, HUET (Helicopter Underwater Escape Training module) and full fire training ground complete with stack and helideck.

From workers in the marine and offshore industries, to bespoke training sessions for Scottish Air Ambulance Service crews, CTS has hosted over 6,000 delegates in the first 12 months of operation.

CTS Director Colin McMurray said:

“It was superb to have the Minister visit and to demonstrate what we do here, as well as discussing how we support the maritime and offshore sectors.

“The location of our centre allows us to appeal not just to the UK market, but also to international delegates, cementing our standing on the world stage as a leader in maritime and offshore training.”

The highly experienced CTS training team has welcomed build engineers from BAE systems preparing to put £3bn aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth through her sea trials, as well as delegates from as far away as Australia, Mexico and China.

Gareth Mathias, CTS General Manager said:

“It’s been a fantastic year for the centre and the Minister’s visit comes at a time when there is increasing confidence in the offshore market.

“We can see a rise in demand for BOSIET & FOET courses as some of the workforce who may have drifted away from offshore employment, are now looking to re-enter.

“We look forward to this continuing into 2018 and beyond.”