Plumbers, electricians, and welders are expected to see increased demand as part of a national initiative aimed at creating 400,000 green jobs over the next five years. Energy Secretary Ed Miliband announced a plan to double the workforce in green industries by 2030, focusing on training individuals transitioning from fossil fuel jobs, school leavers, veterans, the unemployed, and ex-offenders.
The initiative aims to require that companies receiving public funding commit to creating quality jobs within the clean energy sector. It also emphasizes the importance of trade union recognition and collective bargaining rights in these industries, including for offshore jobs.
Thirty-one professions have been prioritized for recruitment and training, with a particular emphasis on plumbers and heating and ventilating installers, for whom an additional 8,000 to 10,000 workers are projected to be needed by 2030. Other trades, such as carpentry, electrical work, and welding, are also poised to see a significant rise in demand, with estimates of requiring 4,000 to 8,500 workers for each profession.
Miliband indicated that this plan addresses the question of where the future job opportunities lie, not only for job seekers but also for local authorities responsible for guiding educational institutions in aligning with industry needs. He reinforced the notion that the clean energy sector could yield jobs with salaries exceeding the national average.
Additional components of the plan include establishing five new technical colleges focused on training for essential roles, with pilot programs in specific regions backed by £2.5 million for new training facilities. A program is also set to assist veterans in transitioning to careers in solar energy and other clean sectors.
Government research indicates that a notable number of individuals previously unemployed possess skills suitable for key roles in the clean energy industry, highlighting the potential for workforce transformation in this area.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/oct/19/government-aims-to-create-400000-jobs-through-uk-national-green-energy-plan