UK Government Creating 400,000 Energy Jobs Over Next 5 Years

The UK Government has announced a major push to grow the clean energy workforce, creating around 400,000 new jobs in renewable power, nuclear and other green industries by 2030.

Employment in clean energy roles is expected to double to more than 850,000 jobs, offering a huge boost for skilled trades and technical careers across the country.

A new national strategy outlines 31 priority occupations where workers are urgently needed. It includes plumbers, electricians, welders, carpenters and engineering technicians.

Many of these roles are hands-on and well-suited to young people, career-changers and anyone already in the energy sector looking to upskill.

To deliver this workforce, ministers are backing plans for five new Technical Excellence Colleges, designed to train the next generation for careers in solar, wind and nuclear. Funding of £2.5 million will support pilot programmes in Cheshire, Lincolnshire and Pembrokeshire, with local authorities and training providers working together to create clear career pathways into the industry.

The Government also wants to make it easier for oil and gas workers to transition into clean energy roles, with up to £20 million committed for specialist retraining. This includes the expansion of the new energy skills passport that supports workers moving into offshore wind.

Similar schemes will help veterans, ex-offenders, school leavers and the long-term unemployed gain access to these jobs.

Clean energy careers are being promoted as high-paying, long-term opportunities. According to the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, most entry-level salaries offer a 23 per cent pay boost compared to similar roles in other sectors.

Many positions in wind, nuclear and electricity networks pay over £50,000 a year, well above the UK average salary.

With the transition to cleaner power accelerating, including major nuclear projects like Sizewell C and rapidly growing wind manufacturing, the Government says this is just the start of a booming green jobs market for the next decade.

Announcing the new strategy, Ed Miliband, the UK’s Energy Secretary, said: “Communities have long been calling out for a new generation of good industrial jobs. The clean energy jobs boom can answer that call and today we publish a landmark national plan to make it happen.”

“Our plans will help create an economy in which there is no need to leave your hometown just to find a decent job. Thanks to this government’s commitment to clean energy, a generation of young people in our industrial heartlands can have well-paid secure jobs, from plumbers to electricians and welders.”

“This is a pro-worker, pro-jobs, pro-union agenda that will deliver the national renewal our country needs,” added Mr Miliband.

The Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Pat McFadden, also commented, saying: “Our new jobs plan will unlock real opportunities and ensure everyone has access to the training and support to secure the well-paid jobs that will power our country’s future, as part of our Plan for Change.”

Commenting on the Welsh jobs in particular, Jo Stevens, the Secretary of State for Wales, said: “Projects right across the country from Pembrokeshire to Flintshire are creating opportunities for hundreds of our young people and will help drive regional growth as well as accelerating our drive towards lower bills and energy security.”

Christina McAnea, General Secretary of the UK’s largest trade union UNISON, welcomed the announcement, saying: “This plan can help create a UK workforce with highly skilled, fairly paid and secure jobs. Additional funding for apprenticeships and opportunities for young people are crucial too if the UK is to have a bright and clean energy future.”

Finally, Dhara Vyas, the Chief Executive Officer of Energy UK, said: “With up to 400,000 new jobs on the horizon and a clear focus on high-quality, inclusive opportunities, the Clean Energy Job Plan spotlights a once-in-a-generation opportunity to build a cleaner, fairer energy system whose benefits will be felt by people and communities across the country.”