Government Unveils National Plan to Fill Clean Energy Skills Gap

The UK Government has published its first-ever national plan to train and recruit workers in the clean energy sector, aiming to create over 400,000 extra jobs by 2030. The strategy outlines how ministers will deliver on their promise to double existing clean energy opportunities, with a focus on 31 priority occupations, including plumbers, electricians, and welders. Five technical excellence colleges will be established to train workers with clean energy skills, and a new program will be launched to match veterans with careers in solar panel installation, wind turbine factories, and nuclear power stations.

Key Takeaways:

• The UK Government has unveiled a national plan to create over 400,000 extra jobs in the clean energy sector by 2030.
• The strategy focuses on 31 priority occupations, including plumbers, electricians, and welders, which are in high demand.
• Five technical excellence colleges will be established to train workers with clean energy skills.
• A new program will be launched to match veterans with careers in solar panel installation, wind turbine factories, and nuclear power stations.
• The "energy skills passport" will be extended to new sectors, including nuclear and the electricity grid.
• The plan includes a new "fair work charter" between offshore wind developers and trade unions to ensure good wages and strong workplace rights.
• Ministers will look to close loopholes to extend employment protections enjoyed by offshore oil and gas workers to the clean energy sector.
• A new program will be launched to provide bespoke careers training in clean energy roles for oil and gas workers.
• Up to £20 million will be made available for careers training in clean energy roles for oil and gas workers.

Statistics:

• The UK Government aims to create over 400,000 extra jobs in the clean energy sector by 2030.
• The strategy focuses on 31 priority occupations, including plumbers and electricians.
• £20 million will be made available for bespoke careers training in clean energy roles for oil and gas workers.
• Five technical excellence colleges will be established to train workers with clean energy skills.
• The "energy skills passport" will be extended to new sectors, including nuclear and the electricity grid.

Sources:

• The UK Government's press release on the national plan to fill the clean energy skills gap.
• Energy Secretary Ed Miliband's statement on the plan.
• Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden's statement on the jobs plan.