RenewableUK and the Offshore Wind Industry Council (OWIC) have released the Wind Industry Skills Intelligence Report 2025, revealing significant growth in the UK wind sector workforce. The number of people employed in offshore wind has surged by 24% over the past two years, rising from just over 32,000 to nearly 40,000 today. The onshore wind sector now accounts for over 15,000 jobs, bringing the total UK wind industry workforce to more than 55,000.
Looking ahead, the report projects that by 2030 between 74,000 and 95,000 workers will be needed to meet offshore wind capacity targets ranging from 39 GW to 52 GW. For onshore wind, employment is expected to grow to over 17,500 jobs, aligned with government clean power ambitions. This could see the total workforce in the UK exceed 112,000 by the end of the decade, with the largest job growth anticipated in Scotland, the East of England, and Yorkshire and the Humber.
The report highlights critical skills shortages in roles such as turbine technicians, high voltage cable specialists, installation engineers, environmental advisers, and planning officers. It stresses the necessity for a national workforce strategy focusing on training, upskilling, and streamlined entry pathways for new recruits and career changers. The strategy calls for regional training hubs in coastal communities, a central labour market data observatory, and stronger collaboration between industry and education providers to deliver apprenticeships and internships.
The study notes an encouraging rise in diversity, with women now making up 22% of the workforce, moving towards an industry target of 33% by 2030. The sector is also attracting a younger workforce compared to comparable industries, with an average employee age under 40.
RenewableUK’s Deputy Chief Executive Jane Cooper emphasised the need to address the looming skills gap through recruitment and training programs. Energy Minister Michael Shanks hailed the clean energy transition as a key economic opportunity that will drive job creation and growth across the UK. OWIC Industry Co-Chair Richard Sandford highlighted the UK’s leading position in offshore wind technology and the importance of attracting diverse talent to maximise its global success.
The report underscores the transformative potential of the wind industry, particularly in coastal and rural communities, offering well-paid, high-quality jobs that contribute both to the UK’s clean energy future and economic expansion.
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