UK Energy Market Skill Shortage

The UK Energy market legislated a net zero emissions target by 2050.

Inevitably leading to a demand for additional resources to deliver the large overhead line, substation, offshore wind, battery storage, nuclear, waste to energy and hydro schemes.

The question I ask:

Has anyone got a joined up strategy to deliver the level of resource needed ?

On large utility schemes, we are already currently seeing projects struggling to attract the levels of overhead line, cable specialists and substation workers needed.

Therefore when workloads increase by 25-200%, what is the answer and what can the industry do now to deliver the resources needed.

Companies such as ourselves in other industries have been engaged by the end client, major contractors and worked in joined up manner, to recruit, train, engage apprentices etc., however, I do not see this occurring currently.

Worryingly, the majority of blue collar work is done under an EPC type strategy, therefore the supply chain needs to be engaged much earlier in the process. As without engagement, guaranteed levels of workload, I do not see the EPC supply chain, recruiting the levels needed to deliver the 2000 workers or putting in place the huge investment needed.

The 2000 increases to over 100,000 when considering all roles and disciplines i.e. Nuclear, Offshore Wind etc.

What do you think's needed ? or do you think it will be "Alright on the Night" and companies will deliver the numbers of skilled workers required.