With the energy transition now firmly embedded in national policy, net zero must be understood not simply as an environmental imperative but as a central pillar of economic growth and industrial strategy. According to David Woon, head of net zero engineering and operations at Ennovus Solutions, the coming years represent a defining moment for the UK’s workforce, infrastructure and long-term competitiveness
The government’s recent announcement that it plans to create 400,000 new clean energy jobs by 2030 is an unmistakable signal of intent. It reinforces the message that the green transition is not a short-term policy trend but a long-term national priority. Yet this ambition comes at a time when the construction sector finds itself in a very different position.
Employment has fallen to a 24-year low, while skills shortages, an ageing workforce and declining entry rates since Covid have left many firms struggling to meet existing demand, let alone the scale of infrastructure investment required for a low-carbon future.
Taken together, these figures reveal two sectors at a crossroads. One is expanding rapidly, driven by the need to decarbonise energy systems. The other is contracting, despite holding many of the practical skills required to deliver that transition. Squaring this circle is one of the biggest challenges – and opportunities – facing UK industry.
Turning ambition into action
The ambition set out in the National Green Energy Plan is encouraging, with the record level of investment from both government and private sector adding further promise. The focus on priority occupations such as electricians, plumbers and welders is welcome recognition that the energy transition will be delivered by trades as much as by technologists.
Proposals for new Technical Excellence Colleges and targeted training pathways also suggest a more pragmatic approach to workforce planning than seen in previous policy cycles.
However, ambition alone will not deliver 400,000 roles by the end of the decade. The focus must now shift from headline announcements to execution. Training pathways need to align with real-world demand, qualifications must reflect the growing complexity of modern energy systems and businesses require practical support to take on and develop new entrants. Without this alignment, there is a real risk that investment in skills will fail to translate into delivery on the ground.
A major opportunity for construction
This is where the construction sector has a pivotal role to play. Many of the skills required to deliver the energy transition already exist within the current workforce. Electrical, mechanical and civil engineering expertise is highly transferable into renewable energy, heat networks, grid upgrades and energy efficiency projects. With the right retraining and support, clean energy could offer a viable and attractive pathway for workers who might otherwise leave the sector altogether.
Rather than viewing the green transition as a competitor for talent, construction should see it as a route to retaining skills, modernising roles and future-proofing careers. Clear signals that there are high-quality, long-term jobs available – backed by credible training and fair work commitments – can help address understandable concerns among workers in traditional energy sectors and reframe the transition as an opportunity rather than a threat.
Long-term benefits for industry and the economy
The wider impact of a larger, better-trained workforce would be significant. Faster deployment of clean technologies would support energy security, accelerate decarbonisation and strengthen the UK’s position as a leader in renewable engineering.
As specialist sub-sectors mature, economies of scale will help reduce costs across areas such as heat pump installation, on-site generation and energy efficiency upgrades.
From a business perspective, this matters. We see that demand is growing not just for net zero consultancy, but for integrated engineering and operational capability.
As the market matures, organisations are increasingly seeking partners who understand how to deliver compliant, safe and commercially viable solutions over the long term.
Expanding the talent pool across the supply chain will make it easier for businesses to grow sustainably and invest in people with confidence that these are enduring careers, not short-term pivots.
A compelling proposition for the next generation
There is also a broader societal dimension at play here. As automation and AI reshape parts of the economy, careers in clean energy and sustainability offer a resilient and purposeful alternative.
Climate change is no longer abstract; its impacts are visible in weather patterns, energy costs and infrastructure resilience. For young people and career changers alike, the green economy represents an opportunity to work in roles that are both future-proof and meaningful.
Design, consultancy, engineering and operations all have a role to play in delivering the transition, and together they offer a diverse range of entry points into the sector.
A moment that demands collaboration
The true value of the government’s announcement lies not just in the number of jobs promised, but in what it represents: commitment. It signals that sustainability is a long-term national priority, worthy of sustained investment and coordinated action.
Now, the task for government, construction, energy and education is to work together to turn that commitment into lasting capability. If they succeed, this moment could mark the point at which two challenged sectors converge – delivering the skilled workforce the UK needs to meet its net zero ambitions and build a more resilient economy for the future.
