The widening renewables skills gap is continuing to worsen and is threatening the progress of the UK’s transition to renewable energy.

The renewable energy sector is expanding rapidly, driven by ambitious Net Zero targets and sustained public and private investment in green energy infrastructure and National Grid updates. However, despite this growth, businesses in the sector are finding it increasingly challenging to secure the talent they need.

These skills shortages are already affecting renewable projects, with the Engineering Construction Industry Training Board’s (ECITB) Sectoral Workforce Census reporting how 81% of renewable businesses are unable to fill critical roles. Therefore, organisations need effective workforce planning strategies to close renewables skills gap and ensure the transition to green energy continues at pace.

What renewables skills gaps are affecting the UK’s green workforce?

The UK’s green energy sector is experiencing widespread skills shortages across the entire supply chain. These gaps are not limited to one area but are felt across technical, operational, and commercial roles. They are slowing deployment and reducing the sector’s ability to scale infrastructure, and restricting the development of new renewable energy sites.

Top 5 most in-demand renewables skills across clean energy vacancies

• Engineering
• Electrical engineering and installation
• Construction and built environment
• Information technology (IT)
• Sales and business development

These skills are required across the full lifecycle of renewable energy projects from construction and installation through to maintenance and decommissioning. Many of these skills are also in high demand across other industries, increasing competition for talent and making it more difficult for renewable energy employers to attract and retain skilled professionals.

In addition to these key areas, there is also a high demand for specialists. The most in-demand specialist renewable energy job roles include:

• BESS (Battery Energy Storage System) engineers
• Solar PV installers
• Heat pump installers
• SAPs (Senior Authorised Persons) and commissioning engineers
• Wind turbine technicians
• Power systems engineers
• Data analysts
• HV cable jointers

What has caused renewable energy skills gaps in the UK?

The UK’s renewables skills gaps have developed due to a range of factors. These include insufficient training, poor workforce planning, low pay in relation to demand, and unrealistic hiring expectations, all of which have made it harder for the sector to attract, develop, and retain the skilled workers needed to keep pace with sector expansion.

Rapid sector growth outpacing supply

Driven by the UK’s commitment to decarbonisation and increasing reliance on clean energy, the renewables sector has seen significant growth. As demand has increased, renewable energy jobs have grown 27% since 2015. However, businesses are struggling to hire. The rapid expansion in the sector has resulted in an ever-increasing number of companies competing for the same small pool of talent.

Limited training pipelines

One of the reasons the renewable energy talent pool has not kept up with rising demand is the limited availability of training opportunities. Training programmes across the sector that are available can be lengthy and are not always standardised. This can deter eager individuals from committing to long training programmes that may not be recognised across the industry.

Although investment in apprenticeships and retraining from adjacent fossil fuel industries is increasing, these pipelines have not yet scaled fast enough to close existing renewables skills gaps.

Competition from other industries

High-demand renewables skills, such as engineering, construction and IT, face similar demand in other sectors. Due to the renewables sector requiring both generalist and specialist professionals, employers are competing with more established industries for the same talent. These industries, including oil and gas, tech, construction, and engineering, may offer more established career pathways, stronger training opportunities, and benefits packages that are more attractive to candidates.

Challenging work conditions

Remote locations, unsociable hours, and hazardous work conditions all make it harder to attract professionals to the sector, resulting in skills shortages. Additionally, many renewable energy sites need to be in remote locations, which limits the available talent pool significantly.

How can renewable energy companies close renewables skills gaps?

Closing renewables skills gaps is paramount to the sector’s ability to continue projects and enable the UK to reach its Net Zero goals.

Target transferable talent pools

There is a significant opportunity to reduce workforce gaps by recruiting from adjacent sectors such as oil and gas, construction and automotive. These professionals often possess transferable skills and experience working in similar environments. By offering reskilling training opportunities, businesses can increase their chances of securing skilled candidates.

Strengthen talent pipelines

Apprenticeships, graduate schemes, and partnerships with universities and colleges are critical to building long-term talent pipelines. By establishing multiple routes alongside their workforce planning, companies can target professionals from a range of backgrounds and increase their talent pools. Strong talent pipelines are essential to making sure that there is a long-term supply of new professionals entering the sector.

Improve employer value propositions

Businesses that find it particularly hard to attract essential renewables skills into their workforce should consider reviewing their employer value proposition (EVP). An EVP includes benefits, compensation, working arrangements, training and development opportunities. To make it effective, organisations need to ensure that this proposition is competitive in the market. A specialist renewable energy recruitment agency, or dedicated internal talent team, would be able to support this.

Highlight values and purpose

One of the most effective ways renewable energy companies can attract skilled professionals to their businesses and fill essential skills gaps is through showcasing company values and mission when advertising for roles.

Purpose-driven messaging can be particularly powerful in renewables. Emphasising sustainability impact and contribution to Net Zero can help secure talent in the sector. However, this is most effective when it is paired with a strong employee value proposition that focuses on increased pay and better working conditions that make it competitive and appealing across industries.

Accelerate recruitment processes

Reducing time-to-hire is essential in a competitive market where highly sought-after candidates are often managing multiple offers. Organisations can achieve this through cutting unnecessary interviews, maintaining momentum between interview stages, and providing prompt feedback to candidates. This also helps keep candidates engaged in the process and leads to better hiring outcomes.

Partner with specialist recruiters

Specialist renewable energy recruitment partners can identify passive candidates, map talent markets, and advise on overcoming renewables skills gaps more effectively.  This gives employers access to a wider pool of talent and helps them refine their EVP to remain competitive in the industry.

Focus on retention strategies

Retention is essential for employers operating within the renewables sector. While hiring to address skills shortages is important, retaining existing talent is equally critical to preventing the skills shortages from worsening further. Effective retention strategies may include clear career progression opportunities, competitive benefits packages, flexible working arrangements, and a positive workplace culture.

How can the government help reduce renewables skills gaps?

The government can address renewables skills gaps by increasing funding for technical education and apprenticeships that are specifically targeted at the renewable energy sector. Greater support for professionals reskilling from the fossil fuels industry would also help strengthen the talent pipeline. In addition, more flexible visa and immigration policies for engineers and technicians could help fill urgent shortages, while ensuring the sector has access to the skills needed to support the transition to Net Zero.

Key takeaways…

The UK’s renewable energy sector is facing many challenges. Despite high investment and rapid growth, there are significant renewables skills gaps that are expected to widen as the sector approaches the Net Zero and Clean Power targets.

These talent shortages are causing real problems in the sector by limiting its ability to complete projects on time and build much-needed infrastructure effectively. Companies that work hard to attract and retain critical skills will be best positioned to close their skills gap and operate efficiently.

Need help closing vital renewables skills gaps within your organisation?

VIQU Energy is a renewable energy specialist recruitment agency. If you are struggling to attract talent and fill important renewables skills gaps and would like bespoke support, get in touch with our team today.