Government unveils its recruitment plan for workers in energy transition

THE Government has unveiled the first-ever national plan to train and recruit workers who can fill the skills gap in the clean energy transition.

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(DANNY LAWSON)

The strategy outlines how the Government will deliver on its promise for more than 400,000 extra jobs in the clean energy sector by 2030, doubling the existing opportunities.

Under the plans, ministers have identified 31 priority occupations that are particularly in demand, such as plumbers, electricians and welders.

Five “technical excellence colleges” will be set up to train workers with clean energy skills, the Government said.

A new programme will also be launched to match veterans with careers in solar panel installation, wind turbine factories and nuclear power stations as will tailored schemes for ex-offenders, school leavers and the unemployed.

Elsewhere, the plans say oil and gas workers will be able to benefit from up to £20 million from the UK and Scottish Governments for bespoke careers training in clean energy roles.