AN Offshore Energy Skills Event bringing together the offshore energy workforce and key stakeholders is taking place in Aberdeen today (Wednesday 2nd November).
The event will provide an opportunity for the sector to share views and insights, encourage greater collaboration, and pinpoint where further action is needed to secure a just transition to net zero for Scotland’s offshore workforce.
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The event will also focus on how the next generation can be attracted and inspired to join the workforce.
Discussions will help inform the update of the Climate Emergency Skills Action Plan (CESAP) which is being refreshed to ensure it reflects the ambitions set out in the National Strategy for Economic Transformation to develop a flexible skills and education system.
Net Zero & Energy Secretary Michael Matheson said:
“From oil and gas to offshore wind, hydrogen and carbon capture and storage, our offshore energy industry is rapidly changing. And as the industry transitions towards net zero, so too are the jobs and skills we need for the future.
“The Scottish Government is committed to playing a central role in harnessing the huge opportunities that lie ahead for our offshore workforce, and to partnering with industry, academic institutions and trade unions to deliver a just transition and create a bright future for the growing offshore energy workforce.”
Green Skills Minister Lorna Slater said:
“The Climate Emergency requires enormous societal change and it is clear that we must adapt the education and skills system to make it more agile and responsive to our economic needs and ambitions. It is equally important that we attract a new generation of people to forge careers in energy and help accelerate our journey to net zero. There has never been a more exciting time to join an industry in transformation with so much to offer.
“The Offshore Energy Skills Event is another example of the Scottish Government continuing to work collaboratively with industry to ensure the managed transition of skills and experience to protect key Scottish energy jobs and enables the sector to retain and attract the talent required.
“We will continue to ensure that our workforce is equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to seize the opportunities of the net zero transition.”
John McDonald, CEO of OPITO and Chair of the Energy Skills Alliance said:
“We know there is a huge opportunity to leverage the significant transferable capability and expertise of oil and gas workers across Scotland and the Integrated People and Skills Strategy sets out a series of actions to make this happen. Ensuring alignment between the workforce, industry and government is critical to delivering on these commitments.
“Today’s event presented a unique opportunity to bring together the companies and people of the offshore energy sectors, with government, recognise the progress that has been made, and what remains to be done to enable a just transition for our people.”
