The UK’s ambitious push to meet net zero targets is driving changes across every sector – and raising urgent questions about the workforce skills needed for the future. In this roundtable discussion reported in FE News, Alison Morris, Director of Policy at Skills Federation asks members Stephen Barrett, Director of Membership and Strategic Engagement, Energy & Utility Skills (EU Skills) and David Nash, Director of Strategy and Policy, Engineering Construction Industry Training Board (ECITB) about how their sectors are preparing for the green transition, and priorities for the skills system.
The discussion highlights the need for a more agile and coordinated skills system. Stephen Barrett points out that a lack of flexibility in current provision restricts modularised training, making it harder for workers to transition from adjacent industries. He also notes the pace of technological change creates a constant lag in training delivery, compounded by a shortage of skilled trainers and inconsistencies in funding and delivery across devolved nations.
However, there are promising examples of progress. David Nash explains how, as an industrial training board, they are funding net zero-related training and qualifications across their sector. Initiatives such as the Scholarship and Work Ready programmes are being scaled up to help young people and the long-term unemployed move into roles like pipefitting and electrical engineering – essential for hydrogen production, offshore wind, and wider clean energy infrastructure.
Roundtable participants call for greater collaboration between employers, education providers and government to ensure training pathways reflect emerging roles in renewable energy, construction, and digital innovation.
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