UK Offshore Wind Industry Set to Create 70,000 Jobs by 2030

The UK offshore wind industry is set to create almost 70,000 new jobs by 2030, bringing the total number of jobs in the sector to over 100,000. According to a report by the Offshore Wind Industry Council (OWIC), the industry’s rapid growth will require an average of 10,000 new workers each year to meet its targets. The report predicts that most of these jobs will be created within the next three years, resulting in 56,000 new opportunities by 2026. The UK aims to reach a capacity of 50 gigawatts (GW) by 2030, with 5 GW of that capacity coming from floating wind power. Currently, the UK is ranked second in the world in terms of offshore wind capacity, with 13.66 GW out of a targeted 50 GW.

The report focuses on areas where there are skills shortages, such as engineering, turbine technicians, and planning. To achieve its employment goals, the offshore wind industry is working on developing recruitment and retention strategies. The report also emphasizes the importance of engaging young people in STEM fields to create a skilled future workforce.

Energy Secretary Graham Stuart expressed his enthusiasm for the industry’s job creation potential, highlighting the opportunities it provides in different areas. The offshore wind sector is also improving its diversity, with the proportion of women in the workforce increasing to 20.6% from 16% in 2019. The UK government’s Offshore Wind Sector Agreement aims to raise this figure to 33%. Additionally, the percentage of workers from minority backgrounds has risen to 7% from 3.8% in 2019, and it is projected to reach 9-12% by 2030.

In conclusion, the UK offshore wind industry is expecting significant job growth, with almost 70,000 new opportunities projected by 2030. With a focus on addressing skills shortages and improving diversity, the industry is working towards recruiting and retaining a skilled workforce to meet its targets.

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