Green skills drive launched to train 'thousands'

The government has announced plans to invest in green skills training to support a transition to clean power with "thousands" of new jobs.

Aberdeen, Cheshire, Lincolnshire and Pembrokeshire have been identified as key growth regions for clean energy.

Funding will be provided in these areas to identify the support needed to train more workers, as part of plans to make the UK energy-secure with clean power by 2030.

An "Energy Skills Passport" portal has also been launched to help workers in the oil and gas industry transition into the renewable energy sector.

Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said the scheme would protect people from "the rollercoaster of fossil fuel markets" and "reindustrialise Britain" with thousands of well-paid jobs in clean energy.

"We are working with communities, businesses and trade unions to train workers here in Britain, so we can seize the opportunities that clean power brings," he said.

Earlier this week, the boss of one of the UK's largest manufacturers of wind turbines said up to 500,000 more workers would be needed in order to meet net zero targets in the coming years.

Darren Davidson, the UK and Ireland boss of Siemens Energy, said the green skills gap was one of the biggest challenges facing the sector as it goes through a period of "unprecedented growth".

In the first round of funding, about £1m will be given to each of Cheshire West and Chester; North and North East Lincolnshire, and Pembrokeshire.

A spokesperson said significant work on identifying skills had already been carried out in Aberdeen.

North East Lincolnshire Council has suggested about 32,000 jobs could be created in the Humber region by 2040, due to green energy creation, decarbonisation and hydrogen opportunities.

Philip Jackson, the leader of the authority, said: "We know the demand is here and we do have a skills gap that must be closed. I am pleased that this has been recognised."

Louise Gittins, the leader of Cheshire West and Chester Council, said the initiative would play "a crucial role" in the transition from carbon-intensive industries to clean energy sectors.

Rebecca Evans, the Welsh energy secretary, said it was an example of working together to unlock opportunities and deliver green jobs and energy security.

Ian Murray, the Scottish secretary, said the new Energy Skills Passport would support "our world-class offshore workforce as we become a clean energy superpower".

The announcement comes after the government confirmed contracts had been signed for the UK's first carbon capture project in Teesside.

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