A group has been launched to attract former UK military personnel to new careers in offshore wind.
The Offshore Wind Industry Council (OWIC) Military Working Group brings together industry leaders to build a diverse workforce including former service personnel to meet the net zero challenge.
Colin Brown from Aker Offshore Wind is chair of the Military Working Group and Aker Offshore Wind has also signed the Armed Forces Covenant to support the military community and recognise the value of serving personnel.
Brown, a former Royal Navy submariner, said: “With a large presence in Aberdeen, we are at the forefront of the drive to support job transitioning in a region dominated by the oil and gas industry, where many former military personnel work.
“We highly value the skills of those transitioning their careers from the Armed Forces and we are committed to supporting those leaving service.”
Around 14,000 people leave the Armed Forces every year and many have relevant skills for the offshore wind sector.
OWIC’s new group will promote solutions to ensure ex-servicemen and women are fully aware of employment opportunities by offering easily accessible advice and guidance to them.
It will also develop a network of ex-military personnel now working in the offshore wind industry to support each other, and advise governments and decision-makers on policy and training requirements.
Minister for Defence, People and Veterans, Leo Docherty MP, said: “Military service gives you skills for life.
“This fantastic initiative will provide service leavers and veterans with opportunities to help them find employment as they leave the military, whilst working towards this country’s efforts to achieve net zero.”
RenewableUK deputy chief executive Melanie Onn (pictured), who leads the OWIC’s people and skills work, said: “The new Military Working Group, which includes representatives from the biggest companies in our sector, will highlight new career paths for ex-servicemen and women and work with them to identify the training they need to make the transition.
“The industry has a huge variety of roles to offer from turbine technicians to project managers.”