Enabling a safe and sustainable transition to net zero through a safe, skilled and sustainable workforce.
Steve Barrett, our Director of Membership and Strategic Engagement, contributed as a guest speaker at the annual ENA Safety, Health & Environment (SHE) Management Conference, on Thursday, 5 June 2025.
He was joined by Session Chair Steph Trubshaw, Senior Session Chair at Electricity North West Limited, alongside representatives from Kelvatek, apprentices from Electricity North West Limited, and Paul Redmond, Employment & Generations Expert.
Hosted by Electricity North West, at the Hilton Manchester Deansgate, the session focused on the industry’s commitment to advancing safety, health, and environmental management in the context of clean power and the transition to Net Zero. The discussion explored current and emerging challenges and considered strategies to future-proof SHE practices in support of the industry’s broader sustainability objectives.
During his presentation, Steve shared several data points demonstrating the direct link between workforce development and a safe, sustainable transition to Net Zero.
He referenced the Energy and Utilities Sector Workforce Demand Estimates – 2024 to 2030 – a series of reports forecasting the number of new jobs and people required across the UK energy and utilities sector by 2030.
The occupations expected to see the largest increase in jobs include:
- Science, Research, Engineering and Technology Professionals – including traditional engineering disciplines as well as roles in data, IT, and cyber security
- Business and Public Service Associate Professionals – including procurement, project management and media roles
- Skilled Metal, Electrical and Electronic Trades – such as craftsperson roles
For operational, technical and engineering occupations specifically:
- Employment is forecast to increase from 410,000 in 2024 to 527,000 in 2030 – an increase of 117,000 new jobs
- 184,000 new entrants will be needed in these occupations alone (averaging 26,000 per year)
- Of the 312,000 total new entrants required across the sector by 2030, 52% (162,000 people) will begin at RQF Level 3 or below, such as in craftsperson or operative roles
To address these workforce challenges, Steve highlighted the importance standard setting, citing a recent project led by Energy & Utility Skills in partnership with Renewable UK, which resulted in occupational mapping profiles for 16 scarce and critical occupations, enhancing sector-wide capability, operational efficiency, and workforce mobility.
Further initiatives led by Energy & Utility Skills Group – delivered through collaborations with the Construction Leadership Council, CSCS, Solar Energy UK, National Grid, and stakeholders in Scotland are also contributing to the continued evolution of skills development and sector transformation.
In setting standards for key occupations, Energy & Utility Skills plays a crucial role in driving safety whilst expediting routes to competence, paving the way to achieving greater productivity for the sector.
If you would like to talk to us about our services and work, please contact us on 0121 713 8255 or email communications@euskills.co.uk.
