Unions applaud the launch of an “energy skills passport” aimed at assisting North Sea oil and gas workers in transitioning to green industries, particularly the offshore wind sector. The £3.7 million pilot scheme will provide guidance to workers on potential job opportunities and necessary additional qualifications for the new sector. Despite welcoming the initiative, unions have emphasised the need for more immediate action and investment to facilitate a smooth shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy.
Trade unions have stressed the importance of developing a clear plan to protect jobs, particularly as the North Sea faces the impending decline of oil reserves, with the closure of Scotland’s last oil refinery in Grangemouth this year posing a threat to numerous skilled positions. The Energy Skills Passport, endorsed by both the Scottish and UK governments, was initially planned for launch in 2023 but has now been introduced to aid workers with transferable skills in securing employment within the broader energy industry.
STUC General Secretary Roz Foyer acknowledged the significance of the skills passport as a platform to leverage workers’ expertise but highlighted that sustained governmental investment and collaboration with unions are essential to ensure a successful transition. The Offshore Co-ordinating Group of trade unions echoed the sentiment, underscoring the urgency of protecting jobs that are currently at risk due to decommissioning activities in the offshore sector.
Led by Renewable UK and Offshore Energies UK, the scheme has received support from Scotland’s Acting Energy Secretary, Gillian Martin, who expressed optimism about the program’s potential to facilitate a fair economic transformation for workers and communities. While the launch of the pilot phase marks a significant milestone after three years of development, further advancements are eagerly anticipated in the months ahead to support workers in navigating the evolving energy landscape.
Insights:
The introduction of the “energy skills passport” marks a crucial step towards supporting North Sea oil and gas workers in transitioning to cleaner energy industries, particularly offshore wind. Unions play a vital role in advocating for the protection of jobs and ensuring a just transition for workers amidst the changing energy landscape. Governmental investment and collaboration with unions are key to fostering a sustainable shift towards renewable energy and safeguarding the livelihoods of workers affected by the decline of the oil sector.