Training provision in Scotland’s onshore wind and solar industries

Achieving Scotland’s net zero goals by 2045 will require significant expansion of the renewable energy workforce.

This study assesses the current training provision for the onshore wind and solar energy sectors in Scotland, identifying gaps, barriers and opportunities for improvement.

The researchers conducted desk research, data analysis and stakeholder consultations.

Findings

• The skills needed in the solar and onshore wind sectors can be divided into sector-specific, allied STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) and other skills.
• There is a strong breadth of allied STEM training provision in Scotland, with skills that are highly sought across multiple sectors.
• A siloed approach to STEM workforce planning is a threat, as several industries draw from the same talent pool.
• Stakeholders highlighted poor visibility of careers, as well as low job attractiveness, as major barriers to the development of solar and onshore wind sectors at the accelerated pace required.
• There is a shortage of specialised training provision providing essential skills for the construction and operational phases of solar and onshore wind projects. The solar sector, in particular, suffers from a lack of training specific to large-scale or ground-mounted solar installations.
• The majority of targeted training provision relevant to solar and onshore wind sectors is largely theory-based, with insufficient emphasis on practical, hands-on experience.
• Funding constraints are a significant barrier to the expansion and modernisation of training programmes.
• Industry uncertainty, driven by a lack of clear and stable policy directives, complicates long-term planning for workforce development.
• The competition for technically skilled workers is fierce across various industries, which complicates talent acquisition and retention.

For further details, please read the report.

If you require the report in an alternative format, such as a Word document, please contact info@climatexchange.org.uk or 0131 651 4783.