Government vows to create 400,000 jobs in clean energy sector

The government has announced plans to train and recruit more workers for the UK’s clean energy sector, pledging to create 400,000 extra jobs by 2030.

Plumbers, electricians and welders are among 31 priority occupations “particularly in demand” and employment in the renewable, wind, solar and nuclear sectors is expected to double to 860,000 within five years, ministers said.

Speaking on the BBC’s Laura Kuenssberg program on Sunday, Energy Minister Ed Miliband said thousands of jobs were needed to develop Britain’s clean energy sector to “cut bills completely”.

Welcoming the proposals, union Unite said: “Well-paid, safe work must be at the heart of any green transition.”

As part of the government’s strategy, five “colleges of technical excellence” will be established to train workers with clean energy skills, and £2.5 million of funding will be directed to pilot projects in Cheshire, Lincolnshire and Pembrokeshire, according to the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ).

A new program will be launched to match veterans with careers in solar panel installation, wind turbine factories and nuclear power stations; Oil and gas workers will benefit from up to £20 million from the UK and Scottish governments for dedicated career training in clean energy roles.

Special programs will also be created for ex-convicts, school leavers and the unemployed.

He said 10,000 extra jobs would be needed to support the construction of the Sizewell C nuclear power station in Suffolk and described how Siemen’s wind turbine factory in Hull was “booming”.

Miliband also told the BBC he stood by his pledge to cut energy bills by £300 by 2030 after bills rose by 2% for millions across the UK under Ofgem’s latest price cap, which sets the maximum price that can be charged for each unit of gas and electricity for millions of households in England, Scotland and Wales.

Increase from October to the end of December This means a household using a typical amount of energy would pay £1,755 per year, an increase of £35.

In a statement, Miliband said the plan would bring “a new generation of good industrial jobs” to communities across the UK.

“Our plans will help create an economy where you don’t 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 hubs could have well-paying, secure jobs, from plumbers to electricians and welders.”

According to DESNZ, the average salary for jobs in the clean energy sector is over £50,000, compared to the UK average of £37,000.

Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden said: “We’re giving workers the skills they need to switch to clean energy – it’s good for them, good for industry and will support growth across the country.

“Our new jobs plan will unlock real opportunities and ensure everyone has access to the training and support to secure the good-paying jobs that will strengthen the future of our country.”

Unison general secretary Christina McAnea said the government’s strategy “could help create a UK workforce with high skills, fair wages and secure jobs”.

“Additional funding for apprenticeships and opportunities for young people is also vital if the UK is to have a bright, clean energy future,” he added.