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Last month’s issue rather timely looked at how we can address the offshore wind sector skills shortage through diversity. We say it was spot on with its timing because in the weeks that followed, the UK government published their latest report, the Clean Energy Jobs Plan, detailing future workforce projections in the race for net zero.
We look at the plan in more detail and crunch the numbers, for an era the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero has coined their clean energy superpower mission.
Key takeaways for businesses:
Here’s what the government want you to know about the Clean Energy Jobs Plan:
Jobs supported by clean energy industries could almost triple in Scotland - which is great news for the candidates and contractors we support from our Falkirk branch.
At least double in Wales - demonstrating the importance of initiatives such as the Wales Nuclear Forum, that NRL are proud to be members of as we help bring local skills back.
As well as at least doubling in Northern Ireland and almost every region of England – which will certainly keep our regional recruitment branches very busy.
UK jobs in clean energy sectors are expected to rise from 440,000 in 2023, to 860,000 by the end of the decade - which highlights the importance of engaging the next generation of engineers and energy professionals whilst reskilling our existing workforce.
Key takeaways for candidates:
It’s crucial however that these jobs can provide a wide range of career opportunities and enable people to build meaningful lives, so what else does the report say?
The government have committed to working with industry and trade unions to ensure people in all regions benefit - something that our Teesside branch is already seeing first hand as it helps to recruit local people for work on regeneration projects.
Creation of jobs with decent pay and good working conditions – something that NRL welcomes as a champion for a real living wage and a proud Living Wage Foundation member.
Access to jobs where people want them – ensuring that people in regions such as those in our Egremont and Heysham branches support have good quality work opportunities on their doorsteps without having to consider relocating.
The Clean Energy Jobs Plan in numbers
What can businesses and jobseekers expect in the forthcoming years, to grow clean energy sectors?
An additional £1.2 billion over the course of parliament for skills development – which includes helping 16–19 year olds access a £1.3 million training fund pot which they project will help an additional 65,000 learners each year.
More than £100 million invested in an Engineering Skills Package for clean energy disciplines, and other priority sectors – including £10 million for engineering T levels and clean energy engineering courses at levels 4 and 5.
Funding of up to £20 million for UK and Scottish governments to transition North Sea workers into clean energy sectors – to ensure we secure skills already in the wider energy workforce.
£2.5 million funding commitment to assist regional skills interventions – including locations such as Cheshire, Lincolnshire and Pembrokeshire.
Welcoming clean energy jobs for the next generation
NRL’s Sunderland branch Team Leader Laura Smith is a STEM ambassador alongside her role supporting our busy recruitment operations. It’s a voluntary position she was keen to take up, after spending time working with regional initiatives across the North-East that engage young students.
We were keen to capture her thoughts on the new Clean Energy Jobs Plan.
“In recent years we’re now starting to see a real commitment to ensure our next generation of workers have access to rewarding careers in the energy sector where they can grow their skills and really build a life. In my role as a STEM ambassador, I’ve worked with students in Sunderland, Teesside, Blyth and across the North East region, and it’s crucial to have funding and skills development initiatives in place to ensure school leavers can access these high-quality career paths. Sunderland has been announced as one of the five Clean Energy Technical Excellence Colleges, which is fantastic to see – and we’re proud of the work we’re doing in Blyth to support crucial establishments such as the Energy Central Campus and the important work the Northumberland Skills team do. From CV writing to helping them with interview preparation and teaching them about the power of LinkedIn to find work, it’s always an absolute pleasure to be asked to help support local students. It’s even more rewarding to see many of them secure apprenticeships as a result of the work we’re collectively doing.”
Laura Smith, Team Leader, NRL
Future clean energy skills projections
Within the Clean Energy Jobs Plan, data projections indicate which job disciplines are likely to grow in demand by 2023. Amongst the top three expected increases in jobs requirements were:
Skilled construction and building trades
Skilled metal, electrical and electronic trades
Science, research, engineering and technology professionals
Notably, these include plumbers, heating and ventilating installers and repairers, carpenters, joiners, electricians, electrical fitters, metal working production and maintenance fitters, engineering professionals and mechanical engineers.
Across the UK, the largest expected growth in jobs will be in Scotland and East England, closely followed by North-West England and South-East England – although all regions are expected to benefit from an increase in job requirements.
Those interested are encouraged to read the full report to understand how you can personally benefit from career opportunities in clean energy industries, or if you’re an energy supply chain business considering how you can grow your workforce to support future opportunities then our NRL teams are always ready to chat.
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