The Government’s Clean Energy Jobs Plan: What It Means for Skills and Training
The UK Government has unveiled its first-ever national plan to recruit and train workers for the clean energy sector, forecasting over 400,000 additional jobs by 2030. This landmark initiative forms part of the UK’s mission to become a clean energy superpower, backed by record investment in renewables, nuclear, hydrogen, and carbon capture technologies.
The plan identifies 31 priority occupations, from including plumbers, electricians, renewable technology installers, and retrofit professionals and introduces five new Technical Excellence Colleges to accelerate workforce development. Employment in clean energy is expected to double from 440,000 to 860,000 jobs by the end of the decade, creating opportunities in every region of the UK.
The Growing Retrofit Opportunity
One of the most significant areas for job creation lies in the heat and buildings sector, which sits at the heart of the UK’s journey to net zero. According to the Government’s Clean Energy Jobs Plan, the workforce in this area, covering heating engineers, retrofit assessors, insulation installers, and building energy specialists, is projected to grow from around 66,000 in 2023 to 248,000 by 2030.
That’s an increase of over 275% – the largest growth of any clean energy sector identified in the report, surpassing the expansion expected in offshore wind, solar, and other emerging technologies. This dramatic rise reflects the scale of the national retrofit challenge: improving millions of homes, cutting energy waste, and installing low-carbon technologies such as heat pumps, solar PV, and smart heating systems.
The report also highlights barriers to meeting this demand, including a shortage of qualified trainers and retrofit course capacity, and the need for long-term certainty for small businesses to invest in their workforce. Addressing these gaps will be essential to ensuring the UK can deliver on its heat decarbonisation ambitions and sustain growth in this vital sector.
For energy professionals, this represents a golden opportunity to upskill into the retrofit market and play a leading role in shaping a more energy-efficient future.
Why Green Skills Matter
As the clean energy economy accelerates, skills and competency are crucial for progress. From upgrading ageing housing stock to delivering new low-carbon infrastructure, every project relies on qualified professionals who understand both compliance and quality delivery.
The transition isn’t just about jobs, it’s also about creating careers that contribute to a more sustainable, energy-secure future. For tradespeople, surveyors, and energy assessors alike, now is the time to invest in learning that aligns with tomorrow’s energy landscape.
The Great Green Upskill
At Elmhurst, we’re proud to be playing our part in this national transformation through The Great Green Upskill. This initiative offers up to 40% off our most popular training courses for Elmhurst members, making it easier than ever for professionals to gain the expertise needed for the clean energy revolution. Courses include:
- Retrofit Assessment for PAS 2035
- Heat Loss Calculations for Low-Carbon Heating
- Energy Efficiency for Older and Traditional Buildings
By taking part, energy and building professionals can future-proof their careers, align with the government’s Clean Energy Jobs Plan, and contribute directly to the UK’s retrofit and decarbonisation targets. Josh Wakeling, Head of Training at Elmhurst Energy, comments:
“The Government’s Clean Energy Jobs Plan is a clear signal that the future of our industry is bright – but it’s also a reminder that skills are the foundation of success. Through initiatives like The Great Green Upskill, we’re helping our members stay ahead of regulatory changes and ensure they have the confidence to deliver the quality and compliance the sector demands.”
Ready to Upskill?
As an Elmhurst member, you’re already part of a community leading the way in energy assessment and building performance. With the clean energy transition creating unprecedented demand for skilled professionals, now is the ideal time to invest in your development and stay ahead of industry change.
Through The Great Green Upskill, members can access exclusive discounts of up to 40% on selected training courses, helping you expand your expertise, meet new standards, and future-proof your career.
FIND OUT MORE