Page 40 - Regional Employment & Skills Plan

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3.3.5 Energy and Environment
Please see Sectors at a Glance for full illustration.
The Energy and Environment (EE) sector is fast becoming one of prominence and unrivalled importance in Wales. It provides the foundation for sustainable development and is constantly changing in line with developing technologies, policies and markets. The sector is inclusive of energy generation and use, renewable energy, emerging low carbon energy technologies and environmental goods and services.
The sector has exhibited exponential growth over recent years both in terms of employment and its monetary contribution to the local and national economy. This growth is set to continue as the demand for renewable and innovative forms of energy generation increase in line with changing policy and targets. Evidence suggests that during a period of economic unrest the sector has out-performed the majority of other sectors across Wales.
Drivers of Change/Demand
A significant driver for growth is the Welsh Government’s energy policy which has set ambitious targets for low carbon energy generation in Wales. As a result, the Welsh Government recognises that the energy and environment sector is one of the fastest growing sectors in Wales.
Further drivers of change/demand include:
• Ageing workforce,
• Image of the sector,
• Staff turnover,
• Expansion demand,
• Global competition for talent.
Barriers to Training
• Inconvenience of courses,
• Lack of time to give or receive training,
• Risk of poaching of staff,
• Fluctuating demand for skills.
Skills Challenges
Currently, Wales suffers with above average vacancy levels in the energy and utility sector compared with the rest of the UK. Especially for associate professionals, administrative / clerical staff, and sales and customer services staff - in spite of offering higher than average hourly wages.83
83 http://www.ukces.org.uk/assets/ukces/docs/publications/evidence-report-62-energy.pdf
Regional Employment & Skills Plan South West & Mid Wales Aspirational Economy