British renewable energy sector working to build a skilled, diverse workforce
By Derek Cowan, JDR Cable Systems
The UK’s offshore wind and renewable energy sector has entered a phase of renewed optimism, yet its ambitious trajectory could face significant hurdles without a strong, skilled workforce to support it.
The Offshore Wind Industry Council predicts rapid growth in the sector, with jobs anticipated to grow from 31,000 today to more than 97,000 by 2030. While this challenge is significant, it also opens up the chance to create a stronger, more resilient workforce and benefit communities by bringing new opportunities, ultimately driving forward the green transition and ensuring that its benefits are widely shared.
Equipping new workers with the right skills
Much of the work being done by the industry, and bodies like the Offshore Wind Industry Council, recognizes the vital role that young people play in addressing the talent gap in renewable energy. A survey by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero found that those aged 16-34 are significantly more likely to support the use of renewables than older generations. This enthusiasm presents a clear opportunity to guide younger generations toward renewable careers.
Apprenticeship and graduate programs must evolve to meet offshore wind’s specific needs. Traditional frameworks, like the Maintenance and Operations Engineering Technician standard are suitable for many offshore roles but overlook key skills such as high-voltage cable testing and termination.
Graduate schemes and apprenticeship programs across the sector should be designed to provide workers with technical experience that is directly applicable to renewables. Graduates should rotate through various roles to build expertise in high-demand areas while apprenticeships should focus on specific, in-demand skills such as welding and high-voltage cable testing. These approaches ensure that workers are joining the sector equipped to meet its evolving demands.
The talent is already out there
It’s not just about bringing in new talent; transferring skills from adjacent sectors is equally crucial. Workers from oil and gas bring valuable expertise, with research from Offshore Energies UK (OEUK) showing that 90% of oil and gas workers have skills transferable to offshore wind.
Internal transfers can transition workers from oil and gas into renewable energy roles, helping retain crucial industry knowledge while upskilling the workforce to meet the evolving demands of the energy sector. With uncertainty around the future of the UK’s oil and gas industry, providing pathways for internal transfers ensures that workers can remain within the industry as it shifts toward greener solutions.
Industries like steel, which have experienced significant job losses in recent years, also possess a workforce with skills adaptable to offshore wind projects. By offering retraining opportunities and focusing on manufacturing roles within offshore wind, these workers can transition into the renewable energy sector, filling critical gaps.
Benefitting local communities
Just as workers are transitioning from sectors like oil and gas into renewable energy roles, entire regions are undergoing similar changes as heritage industries decline. By providing retraining for renewables roles, the sector can harness existing local expertise.
A proactive approach is essential. Industries must actively recruit and reskill workers, equipping them with the necessary expertise to transition into the sector. JDR has collaborated with local colleges, universities and skills providers, recognizing that investment in talent is critical to long-term success. For more than a decade, the company has worked with Hartlepool College and Teesside University to develop first-class apprenticeships. More recently, JDR has extended its programs to work more closely with Newcastle College, Newcastle University, Northumberland Skills, and the Energy Central Campus.
In the same way, the sector must proactively engage underrepresented groups to build a workforce that reflects the diversity of the communities it serves. Actively recruiting talent from diverse backgrounds not only ensures fairness but also helps the industry tap into broader talent pools, which is critical at a time when every worker entering the sector is vital to its success.
The future of the energy workforce
To secure the future of the UK’s renewable energy sector, investment must be made in a skilled and diverse workforce by drawing on young talent, upskilling workers from traditional industries and fostering strong partnerships with education providers. This strategy is not only vital for the UK but also applicable worldwide, as countries work to build resilient workforces for a sustainable energy future.
About the Author
Derek Cowan
Derek Cowan, MCIPD, is head of human resources (HR) at JDR Cable Systems. He has played a key role in building the company’s offshore workforce, leading on recruitment, training and long-term talent planning. He oversees HR strategy across JDR’s operations, supporting its role as a supplier of subsea cables and umbilicals to the global energy sector.