The UK government has outlined a major expansion of the clean energy workforce, targeting 400,000 new jobs by 2030. The initiative aims to double employment in renewable, wind, solar, and nuclear sectors to around 860,000 positions within five years.
Among the regions set to benefit, Lincolnshire has been named one of three pilot locations for new “technical excellence colleges.” The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero confirmed £2.5 million in funding for pilot facilities across Lincolnshire, Cheshire, and Pembrokeshire, aimed at training workers in critical trades such as plumbing, electrical work, and welding.
The investment is expected to strengthen Lincolnshire’s clean energy supply chain, supporting local firms involved in offshore wind and solar development along the county’s coast. Regional employers will have access to a broader pool of skilled workers equipped for the growing demands of the energy transition.
The broader strategy includes retraining oil and gas workers, with £20 million in joint funding from the UK and Scottish governments, and new pathways for veterans, ex-offenders, and school leavers to enter the clean energy workforce.
Government data shows average salaries in the sector exceed £50,000, well above the national average. Officials said the plan will boost regional economies, particularly in areas like Lincolnshire that already play a pivotal role in the nation’s renewable infrastructure.
