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SKILLS GAP


EAST OF ENGLAND ENERGY ZONE HELPING THE SKILLS SHORTAGE


The growth of the energy sector on a national level and its expansion into alternative energy sources and technologies has furthered the need for skilled individuals, from graduate engineers through to specialist technicians.


The transition to a lower carbon world also means the development of new skills across the board, whether it’s for decommissioning, retro-fitting existing structures to reduce emissions or for new developments, such as nuclear new builds, which will create business opportunities estimated to be worth over £50bn in the coming years.


SHIFT TO OFFSHORE WIND ENERGY Apprenticeships and graduate recruitment schemes continue to maintain a steady focus on oil and gas as the significant energy sector, causing it to be oversubscribed in terms of skills. However, the shift towards offshore wind energy means that on a national level there appears to be a significant shortage in specialist skills, both technical and commercial, which are essential in the turnaround of the scale of contracts available at present and in the future.


LACK OF CLARITY In addition, one of the biggest challenges is the lack of clarity as to which of the many bodies leads on skills issues; as a result, focus is diluted with inconsistent approach to standards fostered by unhelpful competition in offshore wind and offshore marine.


EAST OF ENGLAND However, on a regional level, the East of England has predicted the growth in the energy sector and has tackled these skills challenges head on. An industry- driven skills programme within the East of England Energy Zone, Skills for Energy (SfE), hosted by the East of England Energy Group (EEEGR) is improving the provision of skills to better meet the needs of the region’s energy supply chain. The programme, achieved through collaborative partnerships, is a unique exemplar; DECC is funding work to explore how SfE could be rolled out to other energy based regions around the UK.


SKILLS FOR ENERGY SfE is already working with the University of East Anglia to develop an energy engineering programme (including BEng, MEngs and MSc) with sponsorship, course content, lecturers, site visits etc all provided by industry. The first Energy Engineering MSc students have completed their first year. SfE is also rolling out a “pre-apprenticeship” programme, the Energy Skills Foundation Programme, to training providers throughout the UK.


EPISCENTRE SfE is finalising proposals for an £11 million Energy Production Innovation Skills Centre (EPISCentre) to be sited in Great Yarmouth or Lowestoft. EPISCentre is a flagship to promote the significant opportunities in the industry, provide a focal point for skills and to raise aspirations for local people.


As a ‘hub’ it will ensure companies in or entering the supply chain can enhance their capabilities and develop the necessary competences in an efficient environment and enhance the capability and capacity of existing training provision. The new skills centre will catapult the training opportunities available in the East of England Energy Zone, offering a unique approach to shape the workforce of tomorrow by amalgamating existing experience with new skill bases.


THE FORCES In addition to the skills programme, EEEGR’s Skills for Energy has also developed a transition training and industry awareness programme for both serving and ex-military either working in the energy sector or wanting to move in to it.


Military personnel have transferable skills that underpin the basic knowledge needed for the energy sector and they are a reliable workforce with the right work ethic needed throughout the industry. SfE works to cut through the jargon to carry out skills gap analysis on each individual and tailor a training package to suit the individual’s needs.


The bid to fund the new EPISCentre has received significant support; if successful, construction could start almost immediately with an opening date in 2013.


CLEAR FOCUS The East of England Energy Zone is clearly focussed on creating skills to meet the future needs of the energy industry, with similar programmes being developed to support the growing supply chain.


East of England Energy Group www.eeegr.com


e = See enhanced entry online


www.windenergynetwork.co.uk


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