The UK’s nuclear sector has overtaken oil and gas as the largest employer in the engineering construction industry, with 39.2% ...

Facebook
X
LinkedIn

The UK’s nuclear sector has overtaken oil and gas as the largest employer in the engineering construction industry, with 39.2% of the workforce now engaged in nuclear-related roles compared to 35.2% in oil and gas. However, recruitment challenges remain a pressing issue, as 71% of employers report difficulties in hiring skilled workers, according to the Engineering Construction Industry Training Board (ECITB).

Recruitment Struggles in Engineering Construction

“The hiring challenges are predominantly for skilled workers where engineering construction companies are competing to recruit from the same pool of experienced workers,” said ECITB chief executive Andrew Hockey.

This ongoing skills gap has been a focal point for the ECITB, which previously highlighted the issue in its Inspiring Directions report and the 2021 workforce census.

Workforce Trends Across Sectors

While nuclear now leads the sector, the offshore oil and gas workforce remains significant, representing nearly 10% of the industry. However, this figure reflects a 2% decline since 2021.

Renewable energy, by contrast, is experiencing rapid growth, with its share of the workforce nearly doubling to 6.2% over the past three years. Emerging industries such as hydrogen and carbon capture are also making inroads, now accounting for 1.1% and 1.2% of the workforce, respectively.

Projected Workforce Growth

Despite recruitment challenges, employers remain optimistic about workforce expansion, forecasting a 15.9% increase in workforce numbers by 2027. The ECITB’s census, which surveyed 162 establishments across 1,621 locations, predicts the engineering construction industry could grow to encompass 105,750 workers within the next three years—dependent on firms securing sufficient contracts.

“Only through bringing in new talent, training, and upskilling existing workers can the industry benefit from the skilled workforce it needs both for now and the future,” Hockey emphasised.

Renewed Efforts to Attract Talent

The ECITB has been working to address recruitment barriers by introducing pathways such as its scholarship programme, aimed at fostering a more diverse workforce. Improved data collection from the latest census, which covered 74,609 workers or 78.8% of the in-scope workforce, will further support workforce planning through the ECITB’s Labour Forecasting Tool.

Challenges in Attracting Workers to Oil and Gas

Despite its historic significance, the oil and gas sector faces significant hurdles in attracting new talent. An ECITB survey revealed that nearly half of the UK population would not consider working in oil and gas, with just 17% expressing strong interest in the sector. Younger workers aged 20 to 29 showed more willingness to join oil and gas compared to older demographics, highlighting a generational divide in career preferences.

The ECITB aims to leverage its findings to address these disparities and support the industry’s transition to a more sustainable and balanced workforce.

Related stories from SBN

Aker Solutions awarded contract for Offshore Wind Project
Cross-skill pilot exemplifies just-transition in action
Planning permission granted for new Energy Transition Zone beside Chapelcross
North Sea jobs at risk as Labour’s net zero plans face criticism
BP reports significant drop in Q4 2024 profits
Scottish Government pledges £5 million for Orkney Renewable Energy Hub

Other stories from SBN