In 2023, global new wind power installations surpassed the 100 GW milestone for the first time, including 105.6 GW of onshore wind and 10.8 GW of offshore wind capacity, according to the GWEC/GWO Global Wind Workforce Outlook study. This pushed global cumulative wind power capacity past the 1 TW mark, representing an annual growth rate of 13%.  

According to GWEC Market Intelligence, annual wind capacity additions are projected to rise from 131 GW in 2024 to 182 GW by 2028, by which time total global operational wind capacity is expected to exceed 1,800 GW. Correspondingly, the number of wind technicians required is anticipated to surpass 532,400 by 2028, with 40% of these roles to be filled by new entrants.

Specifically, the construction and installation segment is forecast to employ 307,790 technicians by 2028, with 251,109 working onshore and 56,681 offshore. Similarly, the operations & maintenance segment will need 224,623 technicians, 205,123 onshore and 19,500 offshore.

In comparison to 2018, when offshore wind technicians numbered only 10,639 (2.6%), demand has grown substantially. By 2028, the number of offshore technicians is projected to be over seven times higher, reaching 76,181 (14.3%), indicating significant growth in both absolute numbers and the share of the total workforce.

Challenges and policy recommendations

Despite the growth potential, the report identifies several challenges that the wind industry must overcome to meet workforce supply needs. These include policy support, educational initiatives and targeted skills development.

It outlines nine key steps for policymakers to address the mid-to-long-term workforce needs:

1. Set workforce targets as part of national energy policies to support wind and renewable energy installation goals.
2. Introduce educational courses based on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) to prepare students for entry-level wind workforce roles.
3. Invest in workforce training, apprenticeships and upskilling programmes to equip workers with the necessary skills for wind and renewable energy jobs, particularly offshore wind.
4. Promote industrial policies and tendering criteria that foster wind installation growth through local job creation.
5. Facilitate tailored retraining and reskilling pathways to transition workers from carbon-intensive industries to wind industry jobs.
6. Promote diversity, equity and inclusion to address skill shortages by enhancing workforce attraction and retention.
7. Implement strategic policies to manage workforce imports, exports and dislocation.
8. Set standards and penalty provisions for operational health and safety for onshore and offshore wind workforce.
9. Embrace global standards and workforce initiatives, adapting them to meet local conditions.

The report examines workforce development in 10 key countries: Australia, Brazil, China, Germany, India, Philippines, Republic of Korea, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, and the US. Training needs in these countries constitute 73% of the total number of technicians forecast to be working in the sector by 2028.

Ben Backwell, CEO of GWEC, says: ‘As the global wind energy sector continues to grow, particularly in new markets, it is crucial that the growing wind workforce is equipped with the right training and tools to meet the increasing demand. Deployment must be accelerated to meet net zero and global renewable targets, meaning it is vital that government and industry work together to build a workforce capable of delivering onshore and offshore wind.’

Jakob Lau Holst CEO, GWO, adds: ‘To achieve resilient supply chains of skilled personnel ready to build and maintain the wind energy infrastructure we also need governments to act by investing in vocational training, removing regulatory barriers and by supporting the call for international training standards… [Our report] focuses on areas critical to the final stages of wind energy commissioning, the key stage that turns projects in planning into projects in operation. Addressing workforce shortages here can rapidly accelerate growth and play a key role in ensuring wind plays its role in combatting climate change.’

UK offshore wind supply chain

Meanwhile, a survey by ORE Catapult indicates high confidence in future growth among UK offshore wind supply chain companies, despite challenges. The survey, involving over 150 companies, revealed that 80% expect to increase their offshore wind workforce within the next 1–3 years, rising to 89% by 2030.

The survey identifies the skills shortage as a significant challenge, with 46% of respondents noting its impact on future growth potential. Recommendations include additional support for priority occupations, a focus on just transition, cluster-based partnerships, and a target of 5% of employees in apprenticeships by 2030. A single national portal for project opportunities is also suggested to provide supply chain companies with visibility of future prospects.

Andy Macdonald, Director of Development & Operations at ORE Catapult, comments: ‘The fact that eight out of 10 offshore wind supply chain companies see their businesses growing over the next few years is something which many other sectors would love to see, but there remains a lot to be done to deliver this growth. The [sector’s] Industrial Growth Plan provides a vehicle for the UK to come together and agree ways in which we can maximise our economic potential from offshore wind. This survey helps us to understand the requirements of the supply chain and how we can help UK businesses to flourish.’