In October 2024, OPITO launched its Skills Manifesto - a call to action to ensure the UK’s energy workforce is equipped to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving energy landscape.
One year later, our newly published Impact Review reflects on the progress made and the challenges that remain in building a skilled, adaptable and inclusive workforce for the future.
As the global, not-for-profit skills and standards authority for safety critical industries, OPITO continues to work in close partnership with governments, regulators, trade unions, industry bodies and educators to drive forward the commitments outlined in the manifesto. The review highlights tangible achievements across workforce development, training access, and cross-sector collaboration, while also identifying areas where further action is urgently required.
The UK’s energy workforce is uniquely positioned to lead the net zero transition. With 90% of the oil and gas workforce possessing transferrable skills, and a growing demand for digital, leadership and technical capabilities across all roles - onshore and offshore - the opportunity to build a resilient and future-ready labour market has never been greater.
However, delivering a just transition requires more than ambition. It demands coordinated action, stable policy, and sustained investment. The Impact Review reinforces our calls for:
- A unified National Skills Strategy to guide long-term workforce planning
- Increased employer investment in training and development
- Expanded access to apprenticeships and STEM education to support social mobility
- Continued collaboration across government, industry and academia
The energy transition is not just a technological shift, it is a people-powered movement. By championing the workforce and prioritising skills, the UK can remain at the forefront of global energy innovation, safety and competence.
Download the full manifesto review