​The UK energy industry has unveiled a prototype 'energy skills passport' aimed at facilitating the recognition of skills and qualifications across various energy sectors. This initiative is part of the North Sea Transition Deal and Offshore Wind Sector Deal between industry leaders and the UK government.

The skills passport is designed to enable workers to move between different roles within the energy sector, aiding the expansion of the UK's homegrown energy industry while accelerating the transition to renewable energy sources. The project is particularly relevant as the UK oil and gas sector is expected to decline, while the offshore wind industry is set to grow significantly, with projections indicating employment could exceed 100,000 by 2030.

Supported by £3.7 million from the Scottish Government's Just Transition Fund, the project is a collaboration among key industry players, including Offshore Energies UK, OPITO, RenewableUK, Global Wind Organisation, and various stakeholders from the energy sector. The focus is on aligning technical qualifications and safety standards, creating clear career pathways, and establishing ways to support employees and employers to understand the recognised standards.

The development of the skills passport includes mapping career pathways for more than thirty gas and oil roles and entry routes into the wind industry. This will help workers identify qualifications and training needed for roles such as maintenance technician, troubleshooting technician, and high voltage authorised person. Further development and user-testing are planned, with a final version expected to be released later this year.

The initiative underscores the importance of attracting skilled workers from the oil and gas sector to renewable energy roles, using their expertise to secure the UK's energy future and support the transition to net-zero emissions. The project aims to create a more integrated, flexible energy workforce, essential for the UK's sustainable energy goals.