The UK offshore wind industry could experience a shortage of skilled workers over the next 15 years as job demand in the sector jumps to 36,000 from 10,000 currently, according to a new report.
Industry needs to work with the educational system now to ensure that the right skills and talents come through to fill the demand needed to install 35GW of offshore wind capacity by 2032, the report by Energy & Utility Skills said.
Energy & Utility Skills produced the ‘Skills and Labour Requirements of the UK Offshore Wind Industry 2018 to 2032′ report for Aura Wind Energy and Green Port Hull.
The report said skills shortages could become more prevalent and the industry will need a wide range of skills sets, such as asset management, leadership, engineering and scientists.
Aura talent and skills lead John Weir said: “We must ensure that the talent pipeline, which starts with 14 year olds at school now, is able to provide the sector with the skilled workforce that we are going to need over the next decade or so.”
Energy & Utility Skills workforce planning consultant and author of the report Rob Murphy said: “It is clear from the data analysis and interviews with industry experts that the offshore wind industry has great potential to be both a substantial provider of low carbon energy and a significant regional employer – but there are many challenges to overcome to ensure we have a resilient workforce.
“This report sets out the challenges and makes recommendations to address them. If the true potential of the offshore wind industry is to be unlocked, a more co-ordinated approach is needed – one that brings together businesses from across the supply chain, skills providers at all levels, regional and national government and the full range of support agencies.”