Members’ Bulletin November 2025
Clean Energy Jobs Plan
The Government published its Clean Energy Jobs Plan this month, forming part of its wider Clean Energy Action Plan. A first-of-its-kind national approach, setting out how the Government will support the clean energy workforce grow from around 440,000 in 2023 to 860,000 by 2030. EUSG is proud to be cited throughout the Plan, reflecting our strategic role in shaping its development; read our full statement on the website.
31 priority occupations were identified, with plumbers, electricians, welders, machine operatives and engineers expected to be in particularly high demand. The government has committed more than £100 million through the Engineering Skills Package to support skills development in clean energy. Separately, as part of the £182 million announced in the Industrial Strategy, there will be:
- £47 million for adult engineering skills
- £2 million to expand engineering T Levels
- £8 million in capital for clean energy engineering courses at levels 4 and 5
- Support for five new clean energy Technical Excellence Colleges (TECs), with delivery starting in April next year.
The plan highlights the need for strong local skills systems across the UK to ensure equal access to opportunities, while recognising demand for clean energy jobs will be particularly high in Scotland, the East of England, and North-West England by 2030.
Finally, the plan places significant emphasis on approaches to maximising inclusion in the clean energy workforce, including:
- Mission Renewable, supporting veterans, service leavers, and their families in transitioning to clean energy careers, recognising transferable skills. The scheme connects them to training, employer partnerships, and regional pilot schemes.
- DESNZ is working with Energy & Utility Skills and the Ministry of Justice to pilot training and job-matching for non-violent offenders with energy sector vacancies.
- The DfE and DWP are developing a Youth Guarantee to help all 18–21-year-olds access quality work and training, aiming to reduce numbers of NEETs (not in education, employment or training).
- Employment reforms will address disparities between offshore oil, gas, and renewable workers, and assess how the Clean Industry Bonus can strengthen protections in offshore wind. It is hoped that this will facilitate a ‘just transition’ for offshore workers in traditional industries.
Post-16 Education and Skills Strategy
On Monday 20th October, the Government published its long-awaited Post-16 Education and Skills White Paper, reaffirming that public investment, including the Growth and Skills Offer, will be directed towards the eight priority sectors of the Industrial Strategy. This move places renewed emphasis on expanding apprenticeship training.
Paul Cox, Energy & Utility Skills Group Chief Executive, welcomed the Paper and it’s ‘positive intent and ambition’, although he felt some questions remain.
The Paper introduces levy-funded short courses, termed ‘apprenticeship units’, which will use existing apprenticeship standards to ensure quality and relevance within a tight implementation window starting in April 2026. These units must be employer-led, support progression, and complement rather than replace full apprenticeships.
Skills England is exploring the use of skills passports, standardised credentials that document an individual’s capabilities and are recognised across sectors and employers. These passports aim to improve labour market mobility and provide clearer pathways for career progression. The concept will be piloted in Jobs and Careers Service pathfinder areas before considering broader implementation.
Building on the Prime Minister’s commitment to boost higher-level qualifications and apprenticeships for young people, the Growth and Skills Levy, alongside the Youth Guarantee, is positioned to help more 18-21 year olds transition into skilled, well-paid roles, reducing the number of NEETs.
The White Paper also revisits the debate on level 3 technical and vocational qualifications, reflecting concerns that the current landscape is too complex. It proposes streamlining these qualifications into three distinct routes: A Levels, T Levels, and a new vocational option – V Levels.
A consultation on Post-16 Level 3 and Below Pathways is now open until 12th Jan 2026. It seeks feedback on:
- A new vocational pathway at level 3: V Levels, offering an alternative to academic and technical routes.
- Two simplified level 2 pathways: the Further Study pathway and the Occupational pathway, both designed to provide clear progression to level 3 or skilled employment.
The overarching aim of this White Paper is to simplify choices for employers and learners, and to place academic, technical, and vocational routes on an equal footing, all underpinned by strong English, maths, and digital skills foundations.
