Industry leaders from wind, oil and gas sectors have come together to prototype an ‘energy skills passport’ to recognise expertise and training across the energy sector to help workers in oil and gas transition into renewable sectors.

The ‘skills passport’ was proposed in the North Sea Transition Deal and Offshore Wind Sector Deal, agreed between the industry and the Government

The passport will mean that workers can move around all parts of the energy industry and their skills and qualifications will be recognised by employers.

With the oil and gas production in the UK in decline, the number of skilled workers needed in the UK oil and gas sector is also set to decline. At the same time the UK offshore wind industry is expected the expand rapidly, with a rise from 32,000 employees currently to over 100,00 by 2030.

Research commissioned by Offshore Energies UK found that 90 per cent of oil and gas workers have skills that can be used in offshore jobs in renewable energy.

The industry led project has also been supported by the Scottish Government’s Just Transition Fund, who have given £3.7 m in funding to OPITO.

So far the project has resulted in pathway information for over 30 oil and gas roles and entry into the wind industry, with Renewable UK and Offshore Energies UK looking for further ways to support the transition of workers.

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