Marvin OnumonuThe Government has launched a skills programme to offer tailored support to around 200 oil and gas workers in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire, helping them move into clean energy jobs.
The oil and gas transition training fund, backed by £900,000 of UK Government funding, is open to current and former oil and gas workers living or working in the area who want to retrain for roles in sectors like offshore wind, hydrogen, and carbon capture and storage.
Successful applicants will get careers advice and funding towards training courses, with options including welding, electrical engineering, and construction.
Offshore wind could support up to 100,000 jobs in Great Britain by 2030.
The programme is being run in partnership with the Scottish Government and Skills Development Scotland.
Minister for Energy Michael Shanks, said: “Aberdeen has been the energy capital of Britain for decades and while oil and gas will be with us for decades to come, we are determined to make sure that workers are supported to access the thousands of jobs in industries such as offshore wind and carbon capture.
“This funding will help deliver a fair and prosperous transition in the North Sea, unlocking the full potential of renewable energy and reaping the economic benefits from the skills and experiences of Aberdeen’s workforce.”
Secretary of State for Scotland Ian Murray, said: “It’s great news that this vital skills training in Aberdeen is now going live.
“We are absolutely committed to supporting Scotland’s world-class oil and gas workers as we transition to clean energy.
“This pilot will ensure there is a key role for our offshore workers in delivering our net zero future.”
Cabinet Secretary for Climate Action and Energy Gillian Martin said: “The North East of Scotland has long been a titan in the oil and gas industry and the expertise within our workforce must be at the heart of driving a just transition to new fuels and sustainable energy.
“This new oil and gas transition training fund will support offshore workers to take on roles in the sustainable energy sector and has been designed and developed by the Scottish Government, supported by funding from UK Government’s regional skills pilot for Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire, and will be delivered by skills development scotland.
“Through initiatives such as the just transition fund and the energy transition fund, the Scottish Government has already invested £120 million in the North East’s transition to net zero to help create green jobs, support innovation, and secure the highly skilled workforce of the future.”
Frank Mitchell, chair of Skills Development Scotland, said: “Scotland’s oil and gas workforce possesses a broad range of skills and experience which is vital to the continued growth of the renewable energy sector.
“The shift to sustainable energy generation and transmission represents a generational opportunity, and this funding will assist workers in making the most of their expertise in that growing sector.
“Our careers advisers are available for anyone who needs support in considering their options, or whether applying for the fund is right for them.”
Reaction:
Sue Ferns, senior deputy general secretary at Prospect Union:
“This is an important announcement which recognises the vital need for more support for workers transitioning away from carbon-intensive jobs.
“We will only be able to realise the government’s ambitious decarbonisation agenda through investing in the workforce in the energy sector, and the progression of these skills pilots is a welcome signal of intent to better support workers to re-skill.
“The transition will be different for different workers, so it is welcome that this intervention offers flexibility in what training courses will be funded.
“As the sector continues with the transition it is vital employers are also held to account for helping their workers gain the necessary skills and training, and unions will be working with the Government to ensure employers step up to the plate and provide further support to transitioning workers.”
Katy Heidenreich, director of supply chain and people at Offshore Energies UK:
“Aberdeen’s integrated energy workforce has the expertise that’s essential for the offshore energy we need today and for the roll out of renewable energy alongside it.
“The UK’s energy workers have a proud heritage and hold high value jobs in oil and gas, which the nation needs for decades to come.
“This world-class expertise is essential for building a low carbon, high growth energy future and it’s critical government and industry work together to secure it.”
Russell Borthwick, chief executive at the Aberdeen and Grampian Chamber of Commerce:
“The North East of Scotland will be the engine room for the UK’s energy transition. As we pivot from oil and gas to renewables and new technology it’s vital that our workforce is leading that process – not left behind.
“We welcome investment in the skills needed to unlock the opportunity ahead.
“Matching these skills with sustainable career paths will depend upon a strong future pipeline of projects, a stable policy landscape and a clear consensus between industry and government on the direction of travel.”
