New Offshore Wind Deal to triple number of ‘green collar jobs’ in UK.

The UK Government has announced a new Offshore Wind Sector deal which intends to triple the number of ‘green collar jobs’ by 2030.

The new deal plans to increase the workforce within the sector to 27,000 by 2030, tripling the current 7,200 jobs today. This is the 10th sector deal signed and a major milestone for the modern Industrial Strategy.

The deal is in line with the strategy’s Clean Growth Grand Challenge to maximise the advantages for UK industry from the global shift to clean growth.

Energy and Clean Growth Minister Claire Perry said: “The move to a cleaner, greener economy is outlined in our modern Industrial Strategy as one of the greatest economic opportunities of our time. Working with the offshore wind industry, I want to ensure that women and young people benefit from this sea-change.”

A joint effort between the government and industry experts, to encourage more students into STEM education, is already underway, as recent studies show at least two thirds of young people aged 18-24 would prefer a job within the green economy.

The deal is expected to outline how the government and the industry will increase apprenticeship opportunities with a target to be set by Offshore Wind Week in November. This hasn’t stopped eager companies throughout the country up-skilling young people in preparation for high quality jobs within the sector.

Amy, Group Lead at MHI Vestas Offshore Wind, which builds 80 metre blades for some of the world’s largest wind turbines, said: “If you have a can-do attitude and want to be a part of an industry that is making a positive difference to the world, you’ll be just the right person.”

Additionally, the sector pledges to include an Offshore Energy Passport, which would allow offshore wind workers to easily transfer their skills between other offshore energy industries.

6 March 2019