Pembrokeshire workers will be supported by the UK and Welsh Government-backed training programmes so they can benefit from new job opportunities in the clean energy sector, as part of the UK Government’s ‘Plan for Change’ and clean energy superpower mission.

Pembrokeshire has been identified as a key growth region for clean energy due to its floating offshore wind potential.

Local partners will receive funding to identify the skills support that is needed in Pembrokeshire to deliver clean power by 2030.

With two Labour governments working together, the aim is to achieve ambitious net-zero goals to protect households and businesses from unstable fossil fuel markets for good.

Alongside this, the UK Government has delivered on a longstanding campaign to help oil and gas workers access opportunities in clean energy jobs by launching a ‘skills passport’, in collaboration with industry.

Oil and gas workers will be able to access the skills passport online, which will initially help them identify routes into several roles in offshore wind including construction and maintenance.

The Governments state that these initiatives will help build the pipeline of skilled workers needed to deliver clean power by 2030, which will unlock £40 billion of investment a year and reindustrialise Britain with thousands of good jobs across the country.

This underscores the Welsh and UK Government’s commitment to deliver a jobs-rich clean energy transition, putting communities and trade unions at the heart of the UK’s clean energy future.

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

“Unlike the failed approach of previous governments, we won’t sit back and let good jobs go overseas instead of coming to our shores.

“We are working with communities, businesses, and trade unions to train workers here in Britain, so we can seize the opportunities that clean power brings.”

Many of the skills required for the transition already exist, with research from Offshore Energies UK showing that 90% of oil and gas workers have skills that are relevant to the clean energy transition.

From January 22, workers are now able to create an account to access the four career pathways currently available, helping them identify where their existing qualifications are recognised.

Led by Renewable UK and Offshore Energies UK and supported by the UK Government, the tool will be expanded over the coming year to recognise other pathways from oil and gas into the renewable sector.

Funding will initially be given to Cheshire West and Chester, North and North East Lincolnshire and Pembrokeshire.

All four areas will be considered for further funding for targeted measures such as new training centres and courses to upskill workers.

Around £1 million will be available for each area, with local and devolved partners empowered to develop their own plans for how best to target the funding.

Funding could go towards new training centres, courses or career advisers - supporting local people into opportunities in industries such as welding, electrical engineering, and construction.

Employers will also get a handbook which highlights where businesses can access support to grow and upskill their workforce.

This will include, for example, sector-based work academy programmes which help jobseekers into the sector, ensuring they have the necessary skills to deliver clean power by 2030.

Skills Minister Jacqui Smith said: “Skills will be a vital part of our Plan for Change and transition to a clean energy future, and I have spoken to many young people who are really keen to break into this booming sector.

“This initiative is an example of how skills training can support our number one mission to grow the economy whilst helping to meet Britain’s energy needs and support the move towards Net Zero.”

MP for Mid and South Pembrokeshire Henry Tufnell said that this was ‘fantastic news’ for the county, placing our region at the forefront of the UK’s clean energy future.

“The Government’s investment in skills and training, alongside the launch of the skills passport, will create significant opportunities for local workers to transition into well-paid jobs in the growing clean energy sector.

“Pembrokeshire is uniquely positioned to benefit, particularly with the development of offshore wind in the Celtic Sea.

“This initiative will equip our communities with the expertise needed to take advantage of these opportunities while ensuring a fair and just transition for those currently working in traditional energy sectors.

“By prioritising skills development here in Pembrokeshire, we are not only tackling climate change but also strengthening our local economy, creating sustainable jobs, and securing a prosperous future for our area.

“I am proud to support this initiative, which puts Pembrokeshire at the heart of Britain’s clean energy mission,” he added.

Cllr Joshua Beynon, Labour County Councillor for Pembroke Dock: Central commented: “I am thrilled to see the UK and Welsh Governments collaborating to bring clean energy opportunities to Pembrokeshire, building on the council’s own ambitious Net Zero 2030 plan.

“This initiative not only strengthens our efforts to achieve a greener future but also addresses a critical challenge for our community in providing more opportunities for young people to stay and thrive in Pembrokeshire.

“For too long, many young people have felt the need to leave the area in search of jobs and career prospects elsewhere. This investment in clean energy and the development of transferable skills within the renewable energy sector sends a clear message: Pembrokeshire is a place where you can build a successful and sustainable future.

“By creating well-paid, long-term jobs in cutting-edge industries, we are showing that young people don’t have to leave to access exciting opportunities and that they can find them right here.

“The funding for local skills development, such as the proposed skills passport, will open doors for the next generation and help us retain local talent. It’s about creating choices and empowering young people to see Pembrokeshire as a place to live, work, and contribute to the fight against climate chang,” he added.

Rebecca Evans, Welsh Government Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning said: “This is excellent news for Pembrokeshire and the surrounding area, and I’m delighted that the Welsh Government will be leading this pilot. It’s another example of how, working alongside the UK Government, we are unlocking the vast opportunities in Wales as we upskill our workforce, deliver green jobs and drive forward clean power and energy security.”

Secretary of State for Wales Jo Stevens said: “There is huge potential for economic growth in Wales, fuelled by clean energy technology like floating offshore wind in the Celtic Sea.

“This skills pilot in Pembrokeshire will create a workforce here in Wales ready to take on a new generation of jobs in our mission to make Britain a clean energy superpower.”

The Offshore Wind Industry Council's Skills Sponsor Zoe Keeton, RWE's Head of Stakeholders and Local Markets said: "The launch of the first stage of the Energy Skills Passport marks a significant step in the energy transition, as it will enable workers to move between different parts of the UK’s offshore energy industry more easily.

“It also demonstrates the collaborative approach that the energy sector is taking.”