
From fossil fuels to renewables: UK launches the Energy Skills Passport
Scotland has today launched an innovative pilot scheme called the Energy Skills Passport, aimed at helping oil and gas workers transition to careers in renewable and clean energy sectors. This project, supported by £3.7 million from the Scottish Government's Just Transition fund between 2022 and 2024, is designed to provide oil and gas workers with the necessary tools to explore new opportunities in the offshore wind sector.
The Energy Skills Passport will enable workers to identify pathways into various roles within the offshore wind industry, offering a platform to match their verified skills and experience with relevant opportunities in renewables. The pilot, which has been in development since 2022, is now open for workers to register and receive the support needed to facilitate their professional transition.
Funding could go towards new training centres, courses or career advisers - supporting local people into opportunities in industries such as welding, electrical engineering, and construction.
This initiative not only has an impact on Scotland, but is also part of a wider UK effort to ensure a just and sustainable transition to a net zero future. The UK Government has committed funds to support projects in regions such as Aberdeen, Cheshire, Lincolnshire and Pembrokeshire, which have been identified as key regions for clean energy growth, with flourishing offshore wind, nuclear and solar industries. Local partners will receive funding to determine the skills needed in their area to deliver clean energy by 2030, which will definitely protect homes and businesses from the volatility of fossil fuel markets.
Energy Secretary Ed Miliband stressed that the Plan for Change to deliver clean energy not only seeks to protect homes and businesses from the volatility of fossil fuels, but also to reindustrialize Britain, creating thousands of well-paid, unionized jobs in industrial communities. Unlike previous governments, UK is committed to avoiding job losses and are working with communities, businesses and unions to train workers and take advantage of clean energy opportunities.
For his parte, Interim Cabinet Secretary Gillian Martin emphasised the importance of recognising and harnessing the skills of oil and gas workers to ensure they are actively involved in the energy transition. “It is absolutely vital that we recognise and retain the considerable skills of oil and gas workers and ensure they are supported,” Martin said.
Meanwhile, Katy Heidenreich, Director of Supply Chain and People at Offshore Energies UK, stated that the Energy Skills Passport will provide workers with a clear understanding of the additional qualifications they may need to join the offshore wind industry. Jane Cooper, Executive Director of Offshore Wind at RenewableUK, added that over 100,000 people will be working in the UK’s offshore wind industry by 2030, and that oil and gas workers bring valuable experience that can help grow this sector.
This programme is a vital step in creating sustainable, high-value jobs within renewable energy, reflecting both Scotland and the UK’s commitment to a just energy transition that benefits workers and communities alike.
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