The Offshore Wind Industry Council has set up an Investment in Talent Group to help increase the number of people working in the offshore wind industry in the UK.
The group, which is meeting today for the first time, aims to ensure that the industry attracts a wide, diverse pool of talent as the number of jobs in offshore wind trebles to 27,000 by 2030.
It includes representatives from companies in the sector and from the UK, Scottish and Welsh governments, as well as trade associations and academic institutions.
The new group will be run by Celia Anderson, who has worked on the national oil and gas talent pipeline with government and industry and delivered an energy strategy for the East of England.
She is an associate consultant with Nautilus Associates and also leads the offshore wind industry-funded STEM – Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths – Coordination Hub, strengthening the link between industry and STEM education delivery in Norfolk and Suffolk.
She said: “We want the offshore wind industry to be the number one choice for apprentices, STEM graduates and workers from other industries looking for fresh opportunities. This sector is investing long-term in skills, and championing a diverse and inclusive workforce.
“From people who work wonders in designing, building or maintaining world-leading projects, to people using digital skills to tackle new technological challenges, be they enthusiasts or skilled engineers, there really are opportunities for everyone.”
The group is being overseen by RenewableUK’s chief executive Hugh McNeal.
He said: “The offshore wind industry is working closely with the government to build a modern workforce, creating new opportunities particularly in coastal communities which need them most.
“Companies are clustering together to create centres of excellence, building new facilities around the UK.
“To ensure we attract the best people, this sector is stepping up its ambition to create a more diverse workforce in terms of gender and ethnicity.
“The offshore wind industry is determined to recruit from the widest pool of talent, so that we fully reflect what makes the UK such an exciting, innovative and successful place to do business.”