A report commissioned by UK energy provider OVO Energy revealed that fewer than 1/10 people receive specialised green skills training at work, posing a significant risk to the expansion of solar power and other green technologies.
The research, conducted with Energy and Utility Skills, found that only 7% of individuals receive green skills development, and less than 1/3 (30%) are aware of the term “green skills.”
The report underscored the size of the green skills gap. It is estimated that 362,000 workers will be needed by 2035 to decarbonise homes alone, resulting in a pledge by OVO to upskill 15,000 green roles to plug the gap – including advisors, surveyors, and installers.
Charlotte Eaton, OVO’s Chief People Officer, explained: “People are central to our mission at OVO, which is why we are committed to investing in our teams through learning and reskilling opportunities.
“Without significant investment in the green workforce, the UK risks losing its position as a global leader in net zero. We need more people to help us install electric vehicle chargers, heat pumps, solar panels, and insulate homes across the UK.”
“The green skills gap is one of the biggest challenges facing our country, and we can’t tackle it alone. Our ambitious plan aims to pioneer a new generation capable of shaping the green skilled industry for years to come.”
The green skills gap is not due to a lack of interest from the workforce. OVO’s report shows that 21% of people have requested green skills training at work, and 61% recognize the career benefits of such skills. Additionally, 75% of those aged 25-34 wish they had received more information about green skills during their education.
Further commitment
Addressing the skills gap in solar energy, the UK Solar Taskforce focuses on improving diversity and raising awareness of employment and training opportunities within the sector. The taskforce aims to support the UK’s goal of achieving 70GW of solar generation by 2035.
At an industry event in April, Mark Wakeford, chairman of EvoEnergy and the Solar Taskforce’s “skills” group, highlighted the workforce as the solar sector’s biggest challenge. He emphasised the need for professionalising roles and ensuring qualifications for delivering high-quality solar products.
