UK OIL AND GAS workers now have a streamlined path to green jobs with the launch of the government-backed Energy Skills Passport, designed to support the transition to renewable energy careers.

The much-anticipated certification document has been in the works since 2022, and has been delivered by trade associations RenewableUK and Offshore Energies UK, in partnership with the UK and Scottish governments.

Workers in traditional fossil fuel roles can now use a digital platform to showcase their skills and experience, explore courses and career paths, and find opportunities in the oil, gas, and renewables sectors, including offshore wind.

The passport is part of the UK government’s Plan for Change and its goal to make Britain a “clean energy superpower”.

Ed Miliband, the UK energy secretary, said: “Our Plan for Change to deliver clean power is not just about protecting households and businesses from the roller coaster of fossil fuel markets, it is also about reindustrialising Britain with thousands of well-paid, good union jobs in industrial communities.”

Gillian Martin, the Scottish government’s acting cabinet secretary for net zero and energy, said: “It is absolutely vital that we recognise and retain the considerable skills of oil and gas workers and ensure they are supported, as part of the Scottish government’s commitment to ensuring a fair and just transition for Scotland.”

Regional priorities

Aberdeen, Cheshire, Lincolnshire, and Pembrokeshire are currently key growth regions for clean energy, particularly offshore wind, nuclear, and solar.

Both governments have partnered with businesses in these regions to identify the skills support needed to advance renewable projects.

The UK government will open up initial funding for Cheshire West and Chester, North Lincolnshire, North East Lincolnshire, and Pembrokeshire and look at additional funding options to support upskilling and new training courses.

Job security

Oil and gas workers in the UK have faced widespread redundancies in recent years as the fossil fuels sector contracts.

Last week bp announced its plan to cut 4,700 employees and an additional 3,000 contractors from its global workforce this year, with jobs from the UK and US being relocated to Hungary, India, and Malaysia.

Research form Offshore Energies UK found that 90% of oil and gas workers have skills that are relevant to the clean energy transition.

Through the passport and Plan for Change scheme, the UK government aims to build a skilled workforce pipeline, attract £40bn (US$49bn) of annual investment, and create thousands of new energy sector jobs to “reindustrialise” Britain.

Steve Flynn, chair of the IChemE Oil, Gas and Energy Transition special interest group (SIG) welcomed the launch of the passport and stressed its importance in developing transferable safety skills and career options. 

He said: “I would encourage Chemical Engineers involved in the oil and gas industry and the energy transition to stay in touch with these developments, to both support implementation and share the learning from the pilots around the global industry.”