Based on five studies conducted between 2023 and 2025, the report estimates the sector’s workforce could grow from around 40,000 people today to between 75,000 and 94,000 by the end of the decade as offshore wind capacity expands. The projected growth follows plans to deploy between 43GW and 50GW of offshore wind capacity by 2030 as part of the UK government’s Clean Power programme.

Danielle Portsmouth, Future Skills Manager at ORE Catapult, said the industry faced an urgent challenge to build the workforce needed to support future growth. ‘The UK is a global leader in offshore wind experience and installed capacity, attracting significant investment and playing a crucial role in the nation’s clean energy transition. However, without a clear focus on increasing the pipeline of skills and talent into the sector, we will not be able to maintain this position,’ she warned. ‘Without immediate action, the capabilities and capacity of our current workforce will be insufficient to achieve the UK’s 2030 targets in offshore wind.’

The ORE report identifies a range of specialist roles expected to be in growing demand, including wind turbine technicians, high-voltage cable specialists, installation engineers, fabrication specialists and electrical managers.

Researchers argue that education and training providers need to anticipate future technology requirements rather than focus solely on current vacancies. The report proposes a more forward-looking approach to skills planning, allowing training programmes to adapt more quickly as technologies evolve. Among its recommendations are the creation of working groups spanning industry and education, the appointment of sector champions for emerging technologies and greater collaboration on specialist training initiatives.

The report was sponsored by RenewableUK, which represents more than 500 companies operating across the renewable energy sector.

James Lord, Skills and Social Value Manager at RenewableUK, said the industry needed to act quickly to ensure workers entering the sector have the expertise required for future roles. ‘To maintain the UK’s world-leading position in offshore wind, we must ensure that our workforce has the right skills and capabilities as technology evolves,’ he said.

The report was published as major offshore wind projects continue to be built in UK waters. For example, RWE has just completed installation of all 100 turbines at its 1.4GW Sofia offshore wind farm, located more than 200km off the north-east coast of England. The final turbine was installed on 10 June with testing and commissioning work continuing before the wind farm becomes fully operational. Once completed, Sofia is expected to generate enough renewable electricity to power around 1.2 million UK homes.