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Energy industries

UK Government Launches Plan to Train Next Generation of Energy Workers

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The UK Government has unveiled its plans to train thousands of young people in Scotland for skilled "clean energy jobs" as part of its strategy to transition away from fossil fuels. The new plan aims to create up to 60,000 jobs in greener energy by 2030, a 40,000 increase from 2023, with 31 "priority occupations" identified for the switch. The Scottish Government has agreed to jointly invest £18 million to support North Sea workers in making the transition to more sustainable energy.

Key Takeaways:

  • The UK Government plans to create up to 60,000 jobs in greener energy by 2030 in Scotland, a 40,000 increase from 2023.
  • The new plan identifies 31 "priority occupations" for the switch away from fossil fuels, including plumbers, electricians, and welders.
  • The Scottish Government will invest £18 million jointly with the UK Government to support North Sea workers in making the transition to more sustainable energy.
  • Initiatives are planned to encourage more veterans, ex-offenders, and unemployed people into the sector, with "world-class pay, terms and conditions" guaranteed.
  • The plan aims to ensure Britain has the skills needed to transition away from oil and gas to renewables and nuclear.
  • The UK Energy Secretary, Ed Miliband, said the plan places Scotland "at the very heart of the clean energy revolution".
  • Scottish Energy Secretary Gillian Martin said the funding announcement will encourage more oil and gas workers to make the switch to cleaner energy.
  • The Scottish Secretary, Douglas Alexander, said the 40,000 new opportunities will benefit a generation of young people across Scotland and represent a pivotal moment in the mission to boost economic growth across all parts of the UK.

Statistics:

  • Up to 60,000 jobs in greener energy are expected to be created in Scotland by 2030, a 40,000 increase from 2023.
  • Across the UK, employment in the energy sector is expected to double to 860,000 by the end of the decade, including nuclear energy.
  • 31 "priority occupations" have been identified for the switch away from fossil fuels, including plumbers, electricians, and welders.
  • The UK Government is investing £18 million jointly with the Scottish Government to support North Sea workers in making the transition to more sustainable energy.

Sources:

  • Scotland government website
  • UK Government website
  • BBC News
  • PA Archive

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