Scotland’s future growth depends on having the skilled people needed to deliver its clean energy, water, and critical national infrastructure ambitions. Our analysis shows that at least 58,900 new entrants will be required by 2030 across energy, water and waste. This is both a challenge and a major opportunity for citizens, employers and communities as investment accelerates and demand increases.
Power, water and waste industries contribute more than £10 billion GVA each year and support more than 90,000 jobs across Scotland. Meeting future demand will require 50,400 new people for energy, 4,900 for water and 3,600 for waste roles. These findings align with UK wide forecasts that 312,300 new people will be needed nationally by 2030, with more than half initially entering at SCQF 6 or below.
Recommendations to deliver impact
Our recommendations form a practical and evidence led plan for the next Scottish Government. They include actions that can be implemented from day one, measures that follow a first budget, and a longer term proposal that strengthens system capability. The recommendations have been submitted to every political party expected to be represented in the next Scottish Parliament, ensuring that each has clear and evidence led proposals to consider.
The recommendations include a Scottish Sector Entry Fund for SCQF 4 roles, alternative pathways that support social mobility, targeted transition routes for oil and gas workers, and reforms that strengthen the apprenticeship and skills system for SMEs. These proposals connect national ambition with local opportunity and ensure that citizens in every region can benefit from Scotland’s clean energy transition and the scale of infrastructure investment.
Scotland’s long term success depends on expanding and retaining the assessor and trainer capacity needed to maintain safety, competence and delivery. Workforce data show that around one third of current assessors and trainers may retire or reduce their hours before 2030, creating a critical gap in capability. We recommend that government, industry and partners establish a UK wide Task and Finish Group in 2026 to develop policies that retain experienced professionals for longer, support flexible and part time training roles and build a sustainable pipeline of new assessors and trainers.
Paul Cox, Group Chief Executive, said:
“It is essential that policies connect macroeconomic ambition with the everyday lives of individuals, families and communities. Our manifesto recommendations for Scotland 2026 are grounded in our expertise, research and unique insight. Positive engagement with Scottish members and partners has strengthened and refined each recommendation. We now look forward to working with Scottish officials and MSPs in shaping manifestos that can deliver the skills needed for Scotland’s future.”
Learn more
Read the Energy & Utility Skills Group Scotland 2026 manifesto recommendations linked here. For further information or to discuss any of the positions, please contact collaborate@euskills.co.uk.
Read about our collaboration with devolved administrations linked here. Read about our collaboration with the UK Government linked here.
