Written by Stuart Mitchell
05 Oct 2024
Addressing the green skills gap to prevent a crisis in Renewable Energy
The renewable energy sector is booming, with ambitious targets set for expansion across the globe. However, a looming crisis threatens to derail this progress: the growing skills gap. Simply put, there are more jobs available than skilled workers to fill them. This isn't a problem unique to Scotland – it's a challenge faced across the UK, Europe, and the world.
The economic case for renewable energy is clear. Studies like the one from Fraser of Allander Institute demonstrate the significant contribution the sector makes to Scotland's economy. Additionally, the potential for job creation in the renewable energy sector is vast. As Energy Digital highlights, the UK offshore wind industry alone will need to fill 70,000 positions by 2030. However, can we deliver on these promises if we don't have the skilled workforce to support them?
The "Just Transition" from fossil fuels to renewable energy is under threat due to this skills shortage. The allure of high salaries in the oil and gas sector, coupled with some major companies refocusing on fossil fuels, may draw skilled workers away from the renewable energy industry. This shift could significantly impact the renewables sector's ability to benefit from the expertise of oil and gas professionals transitioning into green energy jobs.
While initiatives like the Energy Training Academy, Green Jobs Workforce Academy, and Energy Skills Alliance are making strides in addressing the skills gap, a more centralised and coordinated approach is necessary. A fractured approach will only slow progress and hinder our ability to meet the growing demand for skilled renewable energy workers. Organisations like OPITO and ESP have a crucial role to play in fostering collaboration and streamlining training efforts.
It's important to recognise that the skills gap is not just about technical expertise. As the World Economic Forum emphasises, we need a holistic approach to education and training that equips individuals with the green skills necessary for the future workforce. This includes a focus on critical thinking, problem-solving, and adaptability – skills that are essential in the rapidly evolving renewable energy landscape.
Moreover, addressing the skills gap requires long-term planning and investment. We need to inspire the next generation of renewable energy professionals by promoting STEM education and showcasing the exciting career opportunities available in the sector from an early age. Early engagement in schools, starting from primary through to S1 and S2, is crucial. By the time students have chosen their standard grade subjects, it's almost too late to spark their interest in renewable energy.
College apprenticeships can also play a vital role in addressing the skills gap. Not everyone needs a university degree. Colleges can deliver specialised courses, such as those focused on consenting, coupled with apprenticeship schemes. This approach would provide a practical pathway into the renewable energy sector and help diversify the talent pool.
Furthermore, to attract international talent, we need to streamline the visa process for skilled renewable energy professionals. A "renewable energy passport" could expedite the immigration process and make it easier for overseas workers to contribute their expertise to the UK's green energy transition.
Finally, managing client expectations for recruitment is a challenge. Everyone is asking for the same thing, and competition for skilled workers is fierce. We need to do more to recognise transferable skillsets and offer training and support for those wishing to enter the renewable energy sector. This includes providing clear pathways for career progression and highlighting the opportunities for growth and development within the industry.
The time to act is now. The green skills gap is a pressing issue that demands immediate attention. By investing in education and training, fostering collaboration, and promoting the benefits of a career in renewable energy, we can build a skilled workforce capable of driving the transition to a sustainable future.
The stakes are high. If we fail to address the skills gap, we risk missing out on the immense economic and environmental benefits of renewable energy. Let's work together to ensure that we have the skilled workforce necessary to power a clean energy future for generations to come.
The economic case for renewable energy is clear. Studies like the one from Fraser of Allander Institute demonstrate the significant contribution the sector makes to Scotland's economy. Additionally, the potential for job creation in the renewable energy sector is vast. As Energy Digital highlights, the UK offshore wind industry alone will need to fill 70,000 positions by 2030. However, can we deliver on these promises if we don't have the skilled workforce to support them?
The "Just Transition" from fossil fuels to renewable energy is under threat due to this skills shortage. The allure of high salaries in the oil and gas sector, coupled with some major companies refocusing on fossil fuels, may draw skilled workers away from the renewable energy industry. This shift could significantly impact the renewables sector's ability to benefit from the expertise of oil and gas professionals transitioning into green energy jobs.
While initiatives like the Energy Training Academy, Green Jobs Workforce Academy, and Energy Skills Alliance are making strides in addressing the skills gap, a more centralised and coordinated approach is necessary. A fractured approach will only slow progress and hinder our ability to meet the growing demand for skilled renewable energy workers. Organisations like OPITO and ESP have a crucial role to play in fostering collaboration and streamlining training efforts.
It's important to recognise that the skills gap is not just about technical expertise. As the World Economic Forum emphasises, we need a holistic approach to education and training that equips individuals with the green skills necessary for the future workforce. This includes a focus on critical thinking, problem-solving, and adaptability – skills that are essential in the rapidly evolving renewable energy landscape.
Moreover, addressing the skills gap requires long-term planning and investment. We need to inspire the next generation of renewable energy professionals by promoting STEM education and showcasing the exciting career opportunities available in the sector from an early age. Early engagement in schools, starting from primary through to S1 and S2, is crucial. By the time students have chosen their standard grade subjects, it's almost too late to spark their interest in renewable energy.
College apprenticeships can also play a vital role in addressing the skills gap. Not everyone needs a university degree. Colleges can deliver specialised courses, such as those focused on consenting, coupled with apprenticeship schemes. This approach would provide a practical pathway into the renewable energy sector and help diversify the talent pool.
Furthermore, to attract international talent, we need to streamline the visa process for skilled renewable energy professionals. A "renewable energy passport" could expedite the immigration process and make it easier for overseas workers to contribute their expertise to the UK's green energy transition.
Finally, managing client expectations for recruitment is a challenge. Everyone is asking for the same thing, and competition for skilled workers is fierce. We need to do more to recognise transferable skillsets and offer training and support for those wishing to enter the renewable energy sector. This includes providing clear pathways for career progression and highlighting the opportunities for growth and development within the industry.
The time to act is now. The green skills gap is a pressing issue that demands immediate attention. By investing in education and training, fostering collaboration, and promoting the benefits of a career in renewable energy, we can build a skilled workforce capable of driving the transition to a sustainable future.
The stakes are high. If we fail to address the skills gap, we risk missing out on the immense economic and environmental benefits of renewable energy. Let's work together to ensure that we have the skilled workforce necessary to power a clean energy future for generations to come.