The UK government has unveiled its first national plan to train the next generation of clean energy workers, aiming to double employment in the sector to 860,000 by 2030. The plan outlines workforce needs across the clean energy supply chain and calls for coordinated action among industry, educators, and government to deliver targeted training for high-demand jobs.
Components of the plan include
- Establishing five new technical excellence colleges and skills pilots in Cheshire, Lincolnshire, and Pembrokeshire.
- Launching programs to transition veterans, ex-offenders, oil and gas workers, and others into clean energy roles.
- Extending the energy skills passport to help workers move between energy sectors.
- Implementing new fair work standards, including closing offshore pay loopholes, a Fair Work Charter for offshore wind, and workforce requirements in government-funded projects.
The plan has received more than $58 billion in private investment since July 2024. Major projects including the Acorn and Viking CCUS projects are expected to support tens of thousands of jobs.
“We’re giving workers the skills needed for switch to clean energy, which is good for them, good for industry—and will drive growth across the nation,” said Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Pat McFadden.