UK’s green skills gap undermining net-zero target

Only a third of UK energy workers think they have the skills needed to adapt to the sector’s low-carbon transition, a survey has uncovered.

The poll of over 1,000 energy workers also found that a quarter don’t know how to access the training that will allow them to adapt to future changes in the industry.

Furthermore, only 42% feel that businesses in the sector are ready to meet the target to decarbonise energy production by 2035, with just 42% believing the government is doing enough to support this change.

Of those working in the high-carbon energy sector, 60% believe the move to decarbonise the power system will put their jobs at risk by 2025. However, a whopping 91% are willing to consider a role in low-carbon industries.

This comes after the Skidmore Independent Review of Net Zero, published earlier this year, found that all sectors are facing skill gaps, with some having seen a 30% decline in skilled workers over the past three years.

Andy Moss, chief customer officer at City & Guilds, which published the latest research, said: “Many employers have told us that uncertainty over the timing and scope of major energy projects inhibits their ability to invest in skills for the long term.

“We must unite to tackle this, with industry and government working to equip the energy workforce with the green skills required for the future. If we don’t act now, we’ll almost certainly lose the race to a more sustainable future.”

Read the full findings here