The Energy Sector Transition in the UK Gave Birth to the “Energy Skills Passport”

 Leaders in the energy sector have come together to develop a prototype "Energy Skills Passport" that will allow training and experience in the area to be recognized across sectors.

Image Courtesy: Popular Science

The launch of the 'Skills Passport', a commitment in both the North Sea Transition Agreement and the Offshore Wind Sector Agreement, between industry and the UK government has taken place.

Passport aims to show employees and employers how they can recognize skills and competencies in sectors such as oil gas and offshore wind. The ability for workers to move easily across all parts of the energy mix, from jobs in the oil and gas sector to specialist roles in wind and other energy transition sectors, would save the UK energy industry UK energy industryUK energy industry and help spread and accelerate the transition process. 

“We are committed to make the transition easier for workers in the energy sector moving into renewable energy,” said Jane Cooper, Chief Executive of Offshore Wind Renewable UK. 

“Offshore wind companies must attract oil and gas workers with valuable experience and transferable skills to our region. We continue to work with a wide range of partners and colleagues in other organisations to achieve this, enabling highly qualified people to find new careers in power transmission. ” 

The UK offshore wind industry already employs 32,000 people and is expected to grow to 100,000 by 2030. 

The Industry think tank estimates the total number of jobs in energy production will reach 211,000 by 2030 and the passport could be adapted to help the UK and developed countries reach their net zero targets. 

Energy industry leaders want to ensure that these new jobs go to UK workers with cross-sector skills which means they agree to identify specialist skills. 

The industry-led project is supported by £3.7 million OPITO funding from the Scottish Government’s Just Transition Fund which underlines the importance of Scotland's offshore energy transition.

 

The passport project focuses on mapping technical skill sets and security standards, creating career pathways to relevant roles, and creating a mechanism for employers and employees to understand recognised standards. 

As a result, career paths have been created for over 30 roles in the oil and gas and wind industry ranging from maintenance technician, to contract technician, to high-voltage senior authority figures and troubleshooting technician. 

GWO and OPITO will continue to work together to develop career opportunities for senior roles in offshore wind which will be completed later this year. This means that employees can easily identify the qualifications and additional training required to apply for such jobs. 

RenewableUK and OEUK will now identify other potential areas of work that can support the transfer of staff between sectors. 

“The UK`s energy future depends on the skills of our excellent offshore workforce,” said Cathy Heidenreich, OEUK's director of supply chain and people. This passport will help ensure that jobs and communities across the country are protected to take the most of the experience and skills of the workforce. Our people represent the future of smart-secure energy and sustainable net-zero travel. This can be achieved through proper collaboration and regional mobility by our employees. 

References: Renewable UK - Renewable Energy Magazine