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UK launches first offshore wind recruitment programme in East Anglia

By: Chloe Emanuel 25/04/2024 The Crown Estate

General Windfarms

In a bid to raise awareness of career opportunities and address workforce challenges in the UK's offshore wind sector, a pioneering pilot program has been launched in East Anglia and Lincolnshire. The initiative, a collaboration between The Crown Estate, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), and the Offshore Wind Learning platform, seeks to upskill and empower DWP work coaches to facilitate recruitment into the burgeoning offshore wind industry.

With the UK boasting half of its existing offshore wind farms, the program's launch in the east of England aims to set a regional blueprint for potential nationwide implementation, ensuring local communities benefit from the transition to renewable energy.

The offshore wind sector plays a pivotal role in the UK's journey towards a net-zero economy by 2050. However, it faces significant challenges in filling the anticipated 70,000 roles by 2030, as highlighted in a report by the Offshore Wind Industry Council (OWIC). Addressing this shortfall requires not only increasing awareness of direct roles like turbine technicians but also spotlighting crucial indirect roles within administration, customer service, and the supply chain.

The pilot program will equip DWP work coaches with the necessary insights and training to better understand the offshore wind sector's jobs and skills requirements, facilitating placement of individuals from local communities into relevant roles. Initially focusing on the East Anglia and Lincolnshire coastlines, the program will involve ten job centres across both regions, including locations in Norwich, Great Yarmouth, and Gainsborough, among others.

Judith Everett, Executive Director of Purpose, Sustainability & Stakeholder at The Crown Estate, expressed enthusiasm for the initiative, emphasizing the urgency of addressing workforce challenges to maintain the sector's competitiveness globally. Susan Falch-Lovesey of Equinor and Lauren Little of Orsted hailed the program's potential to drive sustainable growth in the offshore wind sector and contribute to a fair transition to a net-zero economy.

The training provided to DWP work coaches will comprise a blend of in-person and virtual sessions, with the inaugural workshop kicking off in Peterborough. This session will introduce participants to the sector and feature inspiring stories from offshore wind workers and industry leaders.

Roger Matthews, Senior Group Employer and Partnership Lead for the DWP, underscored the department's commitment to partnering with The Crown Estate, recognizing the pivotal role of the offshore wind industry in the UK's net-zero ambitions.
The launch of this groundbreaking pilot program marks a significant step towards bridging the skills gap in the offshore wind sector, ensuring a robust workforce to support the UK's transition to renewable energy.

For more information about offshore wind farm projects across the globe, click here.

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UK launches first offshore wind recruitment programme in East Anglia

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