Thousands of jobs for Wales pledged under Government clean energy scheme
Wales is set to see an increase of 15,000 jobs in the clean energy sector by 2030, bringing the total number of jobs to 20,000, the UK Labour Government said today as it publishes the first ever national plan to recruit workers needed for clean energy. The jobs in Wales will be among more than 400,000 across the UK by 2030. Plumbers, electricians and welders are said to be among the skills most in demand. For the first time, the UK Labour Government is today (Sunday, October 19) publishing a comprehensive national plan to train up the next generation of clean energy workers, with employment expected to double to 860,000 by 2030. The news comes as plans for floating wind farms off the coast of Wales are also a step nearer with the signing of leasing agreements. The biggest growing occupations in Wales will be in skilled construction and building trades; skilled metal, electronic and electrical trades; and science, research, engineering and technology professionals. Read the biggest stories in Wales first by signing up to our daily newsletter here . Among 31 priority occupations are plumbers, electricians and welders, all said to be particularly in demand. Energy Secretary Ed Miliband is to set out measures ensuring companies receiving public grants and contracts deliver good jobs across the clean energy sector. "For young people, these jobs can offer higher levels of pay - with entry level roles in the majority of occupations in clean energy paying 23% more than the same occupations in other sectors," the government said as it announced the package. "Jobs in wind, nuclear, and electricity networks all advertise average salaries of over £50,000, compared to the UK average of £37,000, and are spread across coastal and post-industrial communities." A generation of young people across Wales will benefit from the good jobs and high wages that the booming clean energy economy can bring, the government added. As part of the plans, Pembrokeshire will become home to one of five new Technical Excellence Colleges across the UK, which will help train young people into essential roles. READ MORE : Tata Steel announces five-week stoppages at key Welsh operations Skills pilots will be backed by a total of £2.5 million – which could go towards new training centres, courses or career advisers. The government said its national plan will ensure jobs are "high quality and well paid". "Setting clear workforce estimates for the first time will galvanise industry, the public sector, and education providers to work together to deliver one cohesive strategy to invest in training for specific in demand occupations." As well as taking a swipe at Nigel Farage's Reform party the government also signalled support for trade unions for workers' pay and conditions. It said: "In clear contrast, Nigel Farage’s “war on clean energy jobs” would threaten all of these jobs. "Farage’s Party’s ideological opposition to clean energy would rob communities of good jobs in the industries of the future and lose billions of pounds of investment from areas like Wales. "The Energy Secretary will also set out how this government sees trade unions as an essential part of the modern workplace and economy. Across the broader energy sector, trade union coverage has declined from over 70% in the mid 90s to around 30% today. Recognising trade unions is vital to securing high pay and good conditions for workers." Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said: “Communities have long been calling out for a new generation of good industrial jobs. The clean energy jobs boom can answer that call - and today we publish a landmark national plan to make it happen. “Our plans will help create an economy in which there is no need to leave your hometown just to find a decent job. Thanks to this government’s commitment to clean energy, a generation of young people in our industrial heartlands can have well-paid secure jobs, from plumbers to electricians and welders. “This is a pro-worker, pro-jobs, pro-union agenda that will deliver the national renewal our country needs.” Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Pat McFadden echoed this saying: “We're giving workers the skills needed for switch to clean energy, which is good for them, good for industry - and will drive growth across the nation." First Minister Eluned Morgan said the plan was an opportunity for skilled, secure jobs. She also used the announcement to take a swipe at rivals as the Senedd election looms. Welsh Secretary Jo Stevens said the jobs would be a "gamechanger" for Wales and its green ambitions. “Wales has a proud industrial heritage. Our coal powered the world and our communities still bear that legacy. Now we look to the future and to the industries of the future, "Eluned Morgan said. “Nigel Farage wants to take Wales backwards. He and his team want to tear up net zero plans. And Plaid Cymru say they want to see net-zero but try to block infrastructure that could deliver that. “With Labour in power, Wales will be at the forefront of the green revolution, seizing the opportunity of skilled, secure jobs leading to more pounds in people’s pockets.” The UK Government said its "clean energy mission" has attracted more than £50 billion of private investment since last July. For young people, these jobs can offer higher levels of pay - with entry level roles in the majority of occupations in clean energy paying 23% more than the same occupations in other sectors. Five new "Technical Excellence Colleges" to help train young people in essential roles. Skills pilots in Cheshire, Lincolnshire and Pembrokeshire will be backed by a total of £2.5 million of investment. Oil and gas workers will benefit from up to £20 million in total from the UK and Scottish Governments to provide bespoke careers training for thousands of new roles in clean energy.