IET reaction: Clean energy jobs plan

Government publishes first ever national plan to recruit workers needed for clean energy mission, with over 400,000 extra jobs by 2030 

James Bamborough, Sustainability and Net Zero Policy Manager at the IET said: “We welcome the Government’s new Green Jobs Plan as a positive and necessary step toward delivering the UK’s net zero ambitions.

“The transition to a low-carbon economy will require a new generation of skilled workers to upgrade heating systems, retrofit buildings, and deliver renewable energy infrastructure. These roles represent an opportunity to create richer, higher-value, and more rewarding careers than many existing service or distribution roles, while also supporting the UK’s wider industrial resilience.

“The plan’s emphasis on training and skills development is pleasing, which will be essential to ensure the workforce is ready to meet the growing demand for engineers and technicians. As technologies such as heat pumps become commonplace, ongoing servicing and replacement will also sustain long-term employment in new areas of expertise.

“However, further clarity would help strengthen the plan’s long-term impact. Current projections appear to focus mainly on short to medium term construction and implementation roles. There needs to be greater transparency on how workforce forecasts have been developed, clearer definitions of baseline employment levels, and consideration of long-term career pathways once major transition projects are complete.

“It is also important that the potential effects of automation and artificial intelligence on future employment levels are recognised, and that job creation is regularly tracked and reported against forecasts to ensure policies remain effective.

“We look forward to working with Government, industry, and education partners to ensure the Green Jobs Plan delivers a skilled, adaptable and future-ready workforce that drives sustainable growth and innovation.”

To read more on the plan, see here: Clean energy jobs boom to bring thousands of new jobs - GOV.UK.

 
ENDS

Notes to Editor

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Rebecca Gillick
External Communications & PR Lead
E: rgillick@theiet.org