New research critically urges the UK to move towards greener sources of energy production
Engineering UK and City & Guides research pushes for an increase in efforts to be bold, to meet the UK commitments in the race against climate change.
Engineering UK and City & Guides research pushes for an increase in efforts to be bold, to meet the UK commitments in the race against climate change.
Engineering UK and City & Guides newly published research explores the readiness of the UK energy sector workforce to meet the government's ambition to decarbonise the energy system by 2035. Their research also explores and suggests several skills-based recommendations to help secure a brighter future for all.
Bright futures - decarbonising the UK's energy workforce found only 42% of energy sector workers feel that businesses in the sector are ready to meet the target to decarbonise energy production by 2035. For the sector to meet the UK commitments to decarbonise the energy system, there’s a need for strong government and employer leadership, due to the significant changes that are expected in the energy jobs market. Research found 60% of those working in the high-carbon energy sector believe the move to decarbonise the power system will put their jobs at risk by 2025.
This comes as the energy jobs market is already undergoing seismic shifts. Analysis from economists at Lightcast finds that demand for low-carbon workers has increased rapidly. For example, job postings for renewable energy managers grew by a staggering 1114% from 2019 to 2022.
Research shows that high-carbon energy sector employees are open to the transition. With 91% willing to consider a role in low-carbon industries now or in the future.
Andy Moss, Chief Customer Officer at City & Guilds said: “It’s great to know that over 90% of the high carbon energy workforce are interested in transitioning to greener jobs. To meet the skills needs of the sector, we must create opportunities for people to do just that.
“Yet, many employers have told us that uncertainty over the timing and scope of major energy projects inhibits their ability to invest in skills for the long term. We must unite to tackle this, with industry and government working in partnership to equip the energy workforce with the green skills required for the future. If we don’t act now, we’ll almost certainly lose the race to a more sustainable future.”
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