The majority of workers in the high carbon energy sector (60%) believe the move to decarbonise the power system will put their jobs at risk within the next two years alone (by 2025), according to research from from City & Guilds, the global skills development organisation, and Engineering UK.

The research surveyed 1,000 energy sector workers, including 500 in high carbon energy industries (such as oil and gas), and 500 in low carbon industries (such as wind, solar and nuclear).

A third of energy workers in the UK (33%) think that they have the skills they need to adapt to any future changes in the energy industry. Meanwhile, a quarter of energy sector employees (26%) say that they do not know how to access training that will allow them to adapt to future changes in the industry.

This comes as the energy jobs market is already undergoing seismic shifts. Analysis from economists at Lightcast finds that demand for low carbon workers is skyrocketing. For example, job postings for renewable energy managers grew by 1,114% from 2019 to 2022. In contrast, job postings for oil and gas analysts have declined by 43.4% in the same time period.

“The good news is that high carbon energy sector employees are open to the transition,” the research stated. “In fact, 91% are willing to consider a role in low carbon industries now or in the future.”

Andy Moss, chief customer officer at City & Guilds said, “It’s great to know that over 90% of the high carbon energy workforce are interested in transitioning to greener jobs. To meet the skills needs of the sector, it’s vital we create opportunities for people to do just that.

“Yet, many employers have told us that uncertainty over the timing and scope of major energy projects inhibits their ability to invest in skills for the long-term,” Moss said. “We must unite to tackle this, with industry and government working in partnership to equip the energy workforce with the green skills required for the future. If we don’t act now, we’ll almost certainly lose the race to a more sustainable future.”

Hilary Leevers, chief executive of EngineeringUK, said, “The sector must work together with government to grow a diverse workforce able to achieve joint aims and ensure its prosperity into the future. The numbers in vocational training and studying at university are insufficient to meet demand. So, in addition to reskilling and retraining those already in work, it’s imperative there’s a sustained and growing investment in training and education, including apprenticeships, T levels and academic routes.

Elena Magrini, head of global research at Lightcast, added, “The public policy drive towards a low carbon energy supply will have seismic impacts on the energy labour market. The key to adapting to these changes is to think less in terms of changes to industries and jobs, and much more in terms of skills.”

“Skills are the building blocks of the labour market, and by seeking to understand the sorts of skills that are needed for a successful energy transition, we’ll be in a far better position to understand the training needed for new workers, and the upskilling that can be given to existing workers – particularly in the energy sector – to transfer to new energy sectors,” Magrini said.