Midlands Engine secures green skills commitment for a clean energy future 

The Midlands Engine  – through the Energy Security White Paper – has been the driving force behind a new duty being placed on Skills England to deliver green skills.

Following amendments proposed by Lord Ravensdale, chair of the Midlands Engine Energy Security Taskforce, to the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (Transfer of Functions Etc) Bill, the government has introduced the new duty into the framework for Skills England.

The amendment ensures the delivery of the UK’s climate and nature targets within the remit of Skills England and better integrates the work already underway by LSIPs.

As Midlands partners have committed to be an early adopter region for a new strategic approach to local skills development, the framework now makes provision for Skills England to work with partners across national and local government.

This includes those areas not covered by devolution arrangements, to support regional skills gaps.

These provisions mark a major milestone in delivering a national green skills strategy that will benefit the entire Midlands Engine region.

Lord Ravensdale addressing the House of Lords on 5th February

Speaking with regards to his sector of expertise, nuclear, Lord Ravensdale said:

‘We could consider what Derby needs for small-modular reactors. We could consider what West Burton needs for STEPFusion, or what Birmingham needs for nuclear components.

‘But we can do so much more with a regionally integrated skills picture to avoid that duplication and make sure we are sharing that knowledge and expertise on skills development.’

It is that region-wide approach – adopted by the Midlands Engine and its partner organisations such as Midlands Nuclear – that will best ensure success for the region.

Major workforce upskilling

With the Midlands on track to create 196,000 new jobs in green growth sectors by 2041 and skills at all levels required across a range of clean technologies, a major workforce upskilling and reskilling effort is required.

As highlighted by the ‘Green and Hydrogen Jobs in the Midlands’ report – co-funded by the Midlands Engine, HyDEX and Warwick University – this will include increasing representation of women and younger workers in green roles as part of a ‘just transition’, with wages typically higher than in other occupations.

The Midlands Engine Energy Security White Paper showcases how the region is “powering the UK’s clean energy revolution” through collaboration on initiatives such as the Nuclear Skills Study, initiated by Midlands Nuclear.

This study will identify the regional skills base, assess future skills required and highlight any potential future shortfalls in skills provision.

The Bill amendments are testament to the power of partnership in demonstrating to government the value of a regional approach to its missions for growth and clean energy, and the significance of the Midlands’ role.

Watch Lord Ravensdale address the amendment in Parliament on 5th February.

Read the Enegy Security White Paper