This week, the UK Government published its Clean Energy Jobs Plan. It outlines an ambitious target to create up to 400,000 new clean energy jobs by 2030.

That is not just a number - it is a signal of how quickly the energy landscape is changing towards clean energy transition.

The plan is a national roadmap for building the workforce of the future – and one we are keen to hear EIC members’ thoughts on.

The strategy forecasts clean energy jobs will double to around 860,000 within five years, covering everything from offshore wind and nuclear to hydrogen, carbon capture and grid infrastructure.

The document defines these as jobs that “directly support he low-carbon energy transition, encompassing clean energy generation, transmission and distribution, greenhouse gas removals, clean heat and energy efficiency”.

They can also include roles through supply chains, as well as in traditional energy sectors linked to the energy transition or decommissioning.

On first reading it sems the plan focuses primarily on trades — electricians, welders, plumbers. But alongside this comes demand for design, systems engineering, digital integration and project management expertise. Every turbine, grid connection and hydrogen hub begins with design and coordination.

Key announcements include:

• Five new Technical Excellence Colleges (TECs) for clean energy skills
• £20m of funding for training oil and gas workers transitioning to clean energy jobs
• Launch of regional pilot schemes
• Expansion of the Energy Skills Passport for transferable qualifications across energy sectors
• Emphasis on fair pay, job security and union recognition

The plan notes the engineering professionals category is anticipating a 50% increase in demand by 2030. Furthermore, roles within the vital sector which EIC represents are cited on the published priorities skills list.

For consultancies, direction of travel means helping clients translate policy targets into buildable, resilient and low-carbon infrastructure. Now the plan is published, EIC is keen to seek members’ feedback on the announcements and how we can support the delivery of the green infrastructure we need to thrive.

This week the Government also published a comprehensive strategy for post-16 education and skills, which sets out plans for breaking down barriers to opportunity, supporting the development of a skilled workforce and driving economic growth through the priority sectors outlined in the Industrial Strategy.

This includes professional and business services. We will further review this publication, via our ACE Group-led workstream and seek feedback so that the member voice is always fully represented at the heart of policy making.

To read the Clean Energy Jobs Plan, click here.