Thousands of young people in Scotland will benefit from “skilled jobs in clean energy”, the UK Government has said, launching its plans to “train the next generation of energy workers”.
Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said the new plan puts Scotland “at the very heart of the clean energy revolution”.
The Government said Scotland will see up to 60,000 greener energy jobs by 2030, an increase of 40,000 from 2023.
Across the UK, it expects employment to double to 860,000 by the end of the decade, including nuclear power.
He said 31 “priority occupations” had been identified for the shift away from fossil fuels, including plumbers, electricians and welders.
As part of the transition, the Scottish Government said on Sunday it would invest £18 million jointly with the UK Government to enable thousands of North Sea workers to access tailored support to make the switch to more sustainable energy.
UK ministers said their new plans include proposals to ensure people in these jobs have “world-class wages, terms and conditions”.
They said this includes closing loopholes to extend the employment protections enjoyed by offshore oil and gas workers working beyond the UK's territorial seas.
Initiatives were also announced to encourage more veterans, ex-offenders and the unemployed to enter the sector.
The UK Energy Secretary said: “Communities across Scotland have long called for a new generation of good industrial jobs.
“The rise of clean energy jobs can answer that call, and today we published a landmark national plan to make it a reality, putting Scotland at the very heart of the clean energy revolution this Government is delivering.
“Our plans will help create an economy where you don't have 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 Scotland can have secure, well-paid jobs, from plumbers to electricians and welders.
“This is an agenda in favor of workers, employment and unions that will achieve the national renewal that our country needs.”
Scotland’s Energy Secretary Gillian Martin said: “Scotland’s innovation, expertise and vast renewable energy resources will not only benefit the planet, but will create new economic opportunities and new jobs for homes and communities across the country.
“This continued and expanded funding for the Oil and Gas Transition Training Fund will help more offshore workers take on different roles in the sustainable energy sector over the next three years, helping to achieve a fair and managed transition to the sector.
“We will continue to explore how best to support Scotland’s energy skills transition, working closely with the UK Government on options such as guaranteed interview schemes, redeployment groups and skills passports.”
Scottish Secretary Douglas Alexander added: “From offshore wind to carbon capture, Scotland is uniquely positioned to lead our clean energy revolution with world-class resources and skilled workers.
“Harnessing the potential of clean energy is a clear example of how the UK Government is contributing to Scotland.
“These 40,000 new opportunities will benefit a generation of young people across Scotland and will represent a pivotal moment in our mission to drive economic growth across the UK.
“This UK Government is putting money directly into the pockets of Scottish workers.
“This comes on top of the launch of Great British Energy in Aberdeen, which is already unlocking significant investment and helping to create skilled jobs as we make Britain a clean energy superpower.”
