"To ensure sustainability in the clean energy job market, the government must prioritise long-term policy commitments that also evolve to meet future needs. Establishing binding targets for renewable energy deployment and workforce development as part of the UK's energy strategy will provide businesses with the stability needed to invest in training initiatives," as stated in the written evidence submitted by Dr Alex Reip to the Energy Security and Net Zero Committee's inquiry, "Workforce planning to deliver clean, secure energy".
Some of Dr Reip's recommendations include:
- Implementing consistent, long-term policies and binding targets for renewable energy deployment and workforce development.
- Introducing financial incentives – such as tax credits, grants, or subsidies – for workforce training.
- Allowing businesses to utilise their Apprenticeship Levy contributions to fund certified clean energy CPD courses and Level 7 apprenticeships.
- Promoting collaborations between government, industry, and academia to develop modular, multidisciplinary training programmes and accelerate the adoption of net zero technologies.
- Investing in advanced training infrastructure, such as digital training tools and simulations.
Read the entire evidence here.