Much has been said and written about a transition to a new energy economy and what that may entail.
The first thing it involves is a new UK wide industrial strategy that focuses on a substantial investment in domestic manufacturing and skills. We don’t make things anymore and lack a skilled workforce. Most young people are encouraged to go to university and not into the trades.
Offshore oil & gas workers are forced to pay for training in the skills they already have if they wish to switch to renewables. They already have most of them, these skills are transferable. A better license and training scheme is required that covers all offshore sectors. The status of these workers needs to change so that they are not classed as self-employed and off book and are instead full-time employees with all the rights that suggests. This will help keep people in the community.
A Jobs Guarantee is required that supports the conversion of these workers skills to service the zero carbon industries.
