The Winds of Change Need a Steady Crew
As the UK’s offshore wind energy industry prepares for exponential growth, experts warn of a looming manpower shortage. The Offshore Wind Industry Council (OWIC) calls on the government to devise a comprehensive strategy to assemble a skilled and diverse workforce to meet escalating job demands, projected to surpass 100,000 in the next seven years. With this in mind, experts assert that addressing critical skills shortages in vital areas such as planning and consenting, high voltage electrical technicians, engineers, turbine technicians, and digital skills specialists is paramount for the UK to retain its status as an offshore wind leader.
Battling the Skills Gap
The government’s ambitious target of generating 50 GW of offshore wind capacity by 2030, including 5GW of floating wind, demands an urgent response to the skills gap. To manage the expected surge in offshore wind projects, OWIC’s report reveals that the industry must attract and retain an average of 10,000 people per year. In the long run, this necessitates a government-backed STEM engagement plan targeting younger generations to ensure a sustainable pool of skilled professionals for the booming industry.
The Workforce Race Against Time
Currently employing over 32,000 people, the offshore wind industry is anticipated to employ 104,401 by 2030 to meet its objectives. This signifies an increase of 6,936 compared to last year’s forecast. However, with several offshore wind farms gearing up for the construction phase, expansion in the workforce must occur at a rapid pace. By 2026, a staggering 88,509 jobs must be filled to satisfy the industry’s demands – over 56,000 more than today’s workforce.
Tackling Inequality and Fostering Diversity
As offshore wind energy rises to prominence on the world stage, the UK must address inequality and encourage diversity within the workforce. Currently, 20.6% of the workforce comprises women, an increase of 4.6% since 2019. The Offshore Wind Sector Deal’s ultimate goal is to have a third of the workforce consisting of women. Progress has also been observed in terms of ethnic diversity, with 7% of the workforce currently hailing from non-white backgrounds, a significant increase from 3.8% in 2021. The industry is committed to meeting a 9% ethnic minority workforce target by 2030.
Preparing for Tomorrow, Today
With the UK swiftly becoming a global offshore wind powerhouse, the government must work cohesively with the industry, adjacent sectors, and future generations to ensure that offshore wind remains an enticing career choice for a variety of backgrounds and skill sets. Only then can the UK harness the full potential of its renewable energy resources and solidify its position as a leader in clean energy on the global stage.
