Developers of wind energy to finance professional training for skilled laborers
The UK government and industry are taking significant strides to create high-quality, unionised jobs in the offshore wind sector. This transition towards clean energy is not only environmentally friendly but also offers numerous opportunities for skilled workers.
In a bid to encourage development and ensure the creation of secure, well-paid jobs, proposals have been made to encourage developers and supply chain firms to work more closely with trade unions. The Trade Union Congress (TUC) has collaborated with the government to develop a Fair Work Charter for workers in the offshore wind energy sector, which will be co-developed between industry and trade unions.
The Fair Work Charter requires offshore wind developers to invest in skills training for local communities, offering a chance to boost skills across the energy sector and support the renewal of coastal communities and industrial regions. This initiative also aims to create opportunities for oil and gas workers, apprentices, and school leavers to transition into the UK's growing offshore wind industry.
The Clean Energy Workforce Strategy ensures that these jobs are not only widely available but also high-quality. The strategy aims to create tens of thousands of good quality, unionised jobs in the clean energy sector. Offshore wind will be a significant part of Britain's future energy needs, offering skilled jobs on good wages and the opportunity to build a varied and fulfilling career.
The typical salary for an offshore wind worker is £10,000 higher than the UK average. Offshore wind requires skilled workers across various roles such as blade repair, mechanics, wind turbine maintenance, marine spatial planning, and health and safety protocols. With the sector estimated to support up to 100,000 jobs by 2030, many of these jobs will be outside London in coastal and rural areas.
To further boost the sector, the government has committed to creating stronger protections on pay and terms and conditions. The Employment Rights Bill is progressing, aiming to strengthen offshore workers' rights, including seafarers in the supply chain. Additionally, the consultation will seek views on the introduction of onshore wind into the Clean Industry Bonus to help increase its deployment in the UK.
The Clean Industry Bonus provides offshore wind developers with funding on the condition that they build new factories in deprived regions or invest in more sustainable supply chains. This measure will not only support the growth of the offshore wind sector but also contribute to the development of deprived areas.
Training the clean energy workforce of tomorrow is a priority, and renewables developers are expected to contribute to skills programs. This could be provided through education schemes, training facilities, new equipment, work experience, and internships. With over 90% of the UK's oil and gas workforce possessing skills that have medium to high transferability to the offshore renewables sector, this presents a significant opportunity for workers to transition into the growing sector.
In conclusion, the UK's offshore wind sector is poised for growth, offering numerous opportunities for skilled workers. The government's proposals aim to ensure that these jobs are always skilled, secure, and well-paid, while also supporting the renewal of coastal communities and industrial regions.
