Addressing the Future Skills Needs of Scotland’s Energy Sector

Gordon McGuinness

Head of Industry and Enterprise Networks

Background

Commenced work programme in October 2009

Commitment to build on good practice and existing Partnership work

Supportive of the 3 SEAB Theme Groups

Lots of Information, not so much Intelligence!

Review of Existing Studies & Forecasts - Scottish Govt, Renewables Action Plan - SSC’s Sectoral Agreements - IPPR’s The Future’s Green - Innovas Low Carbon & Environmental Goods & Services - European Wind Energy Association, Wind at Work - Strategic Skills Needs of the Low Carbon Energy Generation Sector - Carbon Trust, Offshore Wind Power: Big Challenge, Big Opportunity

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Key Findings

• Job projections vary, depending on growth trajectory

• Assumption - cumulative additional employment to 2020 of 30,000 – 40,000 jobs

• Significant challenge related to replacement jobs and skills

• Whilst opportunities exist for Apprentices and Graduates, majority of posts likely to be filled by job transfers

• Skills requirements are not markedly different.

Sector Age Profile

1%5%6%

9%

36%

58%57%

28%

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

Energy & Water All sectors

Per

cent

age

of t

otal

wor

kfor

ce 16 - 19

20 - 24

25- 49

50 +

Modelling Sector Employment

Development Agenda

• Improve sector attractiveness to young people, especially those considering career options as they move through the education sector

• Increase the number of apprenticeships places available to enable new, technician level entrants

• Ensure adequate higher education provision to meet the growing demand for STEM graduates

• Promote opportunities to those already in the workforce who may consider changing job / career

Development Agenda

• Increase availability of short courses to enable those moving in to the Energy sector to apply their existing skills in a new context

• Ensure adequate facilities to provide specialist training

• Develop support programmes for major expansion by existing business or inward investment opportunities

• Regularly update the analysis and figures to assist with future planning and investment

Next Steps

• Conclude Review Process

• Incorporate Real Time Workforce Planning Data

• Develop Detailed Action Plan and scope Investment Requirement

• Approve Skill Investment Plan by Sept 2010

• Implement & Review