(MENAFN) The UK government has unveiled an ambitious plan to expand its workforce in the clean energy sector, aiming to create 400,000 new jobs by 2030. The initiative focuses on training and recruiting skilled workers to meet growing demand in renewable, wind, solar, and nuclear industries, with employment in these sectors expected to reach 860,000 within five years.

Plumbers, electricians, and welders are among 31 priority roles identified as being "particularly in demand." Energy Secretary Ed Miliband, speaking on the BBC program Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg, said the move is essential to develop the nation’s clean energy infrastructure and to "get bills down for good."

Trade unions welcomed the announcement, with Unite stating that "Well-paid, secure work must be at the heart of any green transition."

As part of the strategy, the government will establish five "technical excellence colleges" to provide specialized training in clean energy skills. The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) will fund pilot programs in Cheshire, Lincolnshire, and Pembrokeshire with $3.37 million USD.

Additional initiatives include programs to connect veterans with careers in solar panel installation, wind turbine manufacturing, and nuclear power stations. Workers from the oil and gas sector could access up to $26.97 million USD in targeted career retraining funds from the UK and Scottish governments. Tailored schemes will also support school leavers, ex-offenders, and the unemployed.

Miliband highlighted the need for 10,000 extra roles to support the construction of the Sizewell C nuclear power station in Suffolk and noted that the Siemens wind turbine facility in Hull is currently "booming." He reiterated his commitment to cutting energy bills by $403 USD by 2030, despite a 2% rise in household bills under Ofgem’s latest price cap, which sets the maximum energy cost for households in England, Scotland, and Wales. The new cap means a typical household will pay $2,356 USD annually, an increase of $47 USD.

In a statement, Miliband said the plan would generate "a new generation of good industrial jobs" across the country. He emphasized that "there is no need to leave your hometown just to find a decent job," noting that the initiative will provide well-paid, secure employment for young people in industrial regions, from plumbing to welding and electrical work.

DESNZ data show that clean energy jobs offer average salaries above $67,135 USD, compared with the UK national average of $49,671 USD. Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden added that the government is equipping workers with the skills needed to transition into clean energy roles, which will benefit both individuals and industry, while driving national growth.

Christina McAnea, general secretary of Unison, praised the strategy, saying it could "help create a UK workforce with highly skilled, fairly paid and secure jobs," while highlighting the importance of additional funding for apprenticeships and youth employment to secure a sustainable clean energy future.

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