With the United Kingdom aiming for ambitious clean energy targets by 2030, as well as buildings being decarbonised by 2050, there will be an increased need for a skilled workforce. The most recent report from the Energy Security & Net Zero Committee highlights the urgent requirement for strategic planning of workforces to reach these objectives. Therefore, there is a need for government, industry and education to come together so that the United Kingdom is able to step ahead as a leader in the forthcoming global clean energy revolution.
The Opportunity Ahead
The development of existing workers to be able to transition to other types of energy jobs is also very encouraging about the clean energy transition because of the ability of workers to use their skills from a traditional energy job in an alternative energy career. For example, workers who were previously employed in oil or gas fields have the opportunity to continue using those skills in the offshore wind industry or in the solar energy sector. At present, a number of programmes provide workers with the means to transition between multiple sectors, but further opportunities are needed. In terms of potential solutions, the report recommends that there be an increase in investment into skill passports.
Furthermore, it is vital that current systems support the transferability of skills across different regions of the United Kingdom (UK). We can provide the tools for current workers to successfully transition into the new energy economy by breaking down barriers and developing clear pathways for reskilling.
Empowering the Existing Workforce
The clean energy transition provides workers with transferable skillsets. Workers from traditional energy sources, including oil and gas, can successfully utilise their expertise within offshore wind, solar energy and the low-carbon technology industries. New programs, like the Energy Skills Passport, are making it easier for workers to move from their existing industry into these types of careers; however, additional efforts need to take place.
To help facilitate this process, the report suggests increasing the funding available for energy skills passports and providing a mechanism to ensure that accreditation systems support the use of a worker's skills throughout the entire United Kingdom. By providing workers with the tools, resources and support necessary to remove barriers and create a clear path toward successful transition into a new energy economy, existing employees will be successful.
Inspiring the Next Generation
The Clean Energy industry has an overwhelming potential to generate interest and excitement among future generations of workers. Young workers will enter the job market, providing clean energy companies with many untapped candidates from Veterans, the workforce of a variety of communities, and various career changers. To attract these candidates into the clean energy industry, there must be a significant commitment to achieving diversity, creating access to training opportunities and providing a clearly laid out vision of pathways to careers in the clean energy industry.
The report also demonstrates that the clean energy industry's success requires increased awareness of available careers through targeted efforts to promote clean energy careers and customised communication strategies. By providing information about high-paying and rewarding careers within the clean energy industry, we are encouraging people of all backgrounds to take part in the clean energy movement.
Collaboration is Key
In order for the UK to meet its clean energy objectives and also help educate and encourage new businesses through workforce development within clean energy industries (clean tech), collaborative efforts between governmental agencies, private sector companies, and educational institutions will be required at a level never seen before in the UK. This means that Government Agencies must coordinate efforts across both sector and regional levels; as well as, local authorities play an essential role in developing tailored workforce strategies for the local workforce that will meet regional workforce needs.
Public/private partnerships are needed to align training programs with the specific employer's job needs. By working collaboratively together, we can guarantee that training providers will provide the exact skills the employer will require, while the trainee gains real-world experience in the industry before they start working as an employee with the company. Currently, there are various initiatives, such as on-the-job training at employer training hubs and employer-supporting opportunities being utilised; these types of initiatives seem to be highly effective; therefore, this type of collaboration should be expanded throughout the UK.
Building for the Long Term
The transition to clean energy is a long-term initiative and requires an approach to workforce building that reflects this. The report recommends having a ten-year timeline for programs and funding with annual evaluations to ensure they are responsive to the changing needs of the industry. Taking this long-term approach will give employers assurance to invest in worker training, while giving workers confidence to investigate careers in clean energy.
A Shared Responsibility
The ultimate objectives and benchmarks towards a cleaner energy world cannot be achieved without people. In arranging for future generations to have sustainable living, and by creating jobs now, we may unlock the full potential of the clean energy economy. Together with this Innovation, we will also facilitate a brighter future at the forefront of the global sustainability effort. A vision is evident going forward.