A recent surge of investment into the wave and tidal energy industries has led to a sharp rise in the number of jobs available in these sectors. At the moment, marine energy supports around 1,000 jobs in the UK, and RenewableUK estimates this could soar to almost 25,000 roles by 2035, with the industry adding around £6.1 billion to the UK economy.

There are currently around 40 wave and tidal energy projects operating in UK waters, with many more in the pipeline. This is great news for the renewables sector – but only if the supply of suitably qualified and experienced workers can meet this ever-increasing demand.

Concerns have already being raised around potential skills shortages, but thankfully more training opportunities are being developed to equip workers with the skills they need to enter the renewables industry. These include the Renewable Training Network (RTN), run by RenewableUK, and a new energy skills centre being funded by the Scottish Government which plans to offer 1,000 training places for technicians and engineering professionals.

Wilding says: ‘We need to nip this situation in the bud now, to prevent the renewables industry faltering should the supply of skilled candidates dry up. So it’s good to see more opportunities becoming available to cross-train existing professionals. However, more could still be done to attract school and university leavers into the energy sector at the start of their careers.’

Source: Renewable Energy World