Energy workers are urging the Government to fund a national skills programme to tackle the “crisis” of a lack of suitably qualified staff.
A survey of 5,500 members of the Prospect union showed that most wanted the Government to play a greater role in the energy sector, ranging from decarbonisation to tackling fuel poverty.
One of the key priorities was doing more to address the current skills shortage, including expanding technical education, apprenticeships and training schemes.
The survey revealed widespread support for free insulation and other energy efficiency measures.
Prospect said the energy sector was already facing a skills crisis and needs to recruit 74,000 new workers by 2025.
According to latest figures, over a third of hard-to-fill vacancies in the energy and utilities sector are currently due to skills shortages.
Prospect deputy general secretary Sue Ferns said: “Prospect is calling on the Government to create a sustainable future for UK energy.
“The sector is at a key moment in time and it is crucial that the government has a strategy to ensure that workers and consumers are best provided for.”
Recommended for you
