Offshore Energies UK (OEUK) has launched a report pinpointing key skills shortages that could put the transition to cleaner energy technologies and sources at risk.
OEUK’s annual Workforce Insight report will enable OEUK to work with industry and government to set out a new action plan for skills.
The report shows that total employment in 2021 rose by 22,000 and is forecast to grow in 2022, while direct (those specifically in the sector) and indirect (broader supply chain) employment is up almost 5000 YoY.
It found the number of offshore workers has been reducing since 2010 with significant drops in 2020, largely due to the restrictions imposed by the pandemic and an overall recovery of people offshore by 12% in March 2021 compared to March 2020, due to restrictions being reduced.
Since 2020 there has been a 5% reduction in the overall total workforce compared to 2020, which reflects a continuing recovery from the pandemic, highlighted the report.
Katy Heidenreich, OEUK’s supply chain and people director, said: “The UK is entering a decade of delivery in homegrown energy projects.
“It could unlock a new generation of exciting jobs and careers in manufacturing heartlands and communities across the country.
“Our report shows that competition for talent and continued uncertainty on taxes could spell a premature end for the UK’s clean energy ambitions.
“We need urgent action from governments to give confidence to the sector, so we can recruit and retain the talented needed.”
“Over 200,000 people supported the UK’s offshore energy industry last year.
“Employment grew more in 2021 than predicted last year, and many of our members are telling us they are facing real skills shortages in delivering activity needed to ensure energy security for the UK.”