Energy Secretary Ed Miliband visited Aberdeen recently to announce the acceleration of the delivery of an oil and gas skills passport. This initiative aims to help North Sea workers transition more smoothly into careers in the renewables sector, including offshore wind. A digital tool for workers is set to be piloted by January 2025, providing a pathway for workers to explore new opportunities in the growing clean energy industry.
The skills passport was first committed to by the former Tory-led government in 2020 and has received support from the Scottish Government since 2022. The UK Government is also set to sign a new agreement with the Scottish Government to provide funding to support clean energy supply chains and develop partnerships with Scottish public bodies in the clean energy sector. This collaboration aims to boost new private sector jobs and investment in the region.
Energy Secretary Ed Miliband expressed his commitment to a clean energy future, highlighting the importance of Scottish energy workers in powering the UK’s transition to clean energy sources. The government is working closely with the Scottish Government to ensure that publicly owned companies like Great British Energy are well-positioned to accelerate clean energy investment in Scotland.
Juergen Maier, chair of the publicly-owned energy firm, also emphasized the potential job creation opportunities in Aberdeen, with plans to potentially create up to 1,000 jobs at the headquarters. However, there are lingering questions about how the company will lower energy bills for consumers, as promised by the Labour government. By collaborating with the Scottish Government and driving investment across the country, Great British Energy aims to contribute to job creation and economic growth in the region.
Overall, the accelerated delivery of the oil and gas skills passport and the commitment to clean energy investment underscore the government’s efforts to support workers in transitioning to the renewables sector. With a focus on creating new job opportunities and driving sustainable energy development, initiatives like these are crucial steps towards a greener and more sustainable future for the energy industry in the UK.
