The UK government has announced a national Clean Energy Jobs Plan aimed at creating 400,000 new jobs by 2030 to meet increasing demand in the growing low-carbon economy. The plan highlights 31 priority occupations including plumbers, electricians, and welders that are critical to delivering the country’s clean energy future.
With investment surging in renewables, nuclear, and energy infrastructure, employment in the sector is expected to almost double to 860,000 roles across the UK by the end of the decade. To address skills shortages and ensure high quality, well-paid jobs, the plan commits to establishing five new Technical Excellence Colleges dedicated to clean energy training and supporting tailored programs for veterans, ex-offenders, school leavers, and the unemployed.
The government will also dedicate £20 million to upskill existing oil and gas workers into clean energy roles, building transferable expertise across energy technologies. Measures include strengthening trade union involvement, securing fair wages and workplace rights, and closing employment protection gaps.
Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero Ed Miliband emphasised the plan will create good industrial jobs across many UK communities, boosting regional economies and helping people find secure work locally. It reinforces the government’s commitment to net zero targets and energy security, backed by public and private investment exceeding £50 billion.
Key projects supported by this growth include the Sizewell C nuclear power plant, small modular reactor development by Rolls-Royce, and major carbon capture and storage efforts in Scotland and Northern England, collectively supporting tens of thousands of jobs and apprenticeships.
The plan marks a strategic effort to align workforce development with the UK’s energy transition ambitions, ensuring a sustainable pipeline of skilled workers to power the country’s clean energy future. It has garnered support from industry, unions, and regional leaders as a foundational step to secure economic and environmental goals.
