Friends, if you’re interested in the renewable energy sector or considering a career switch, this report—the Wind Industry Skills Intelligence Report 2025—is absolutely timely. It reveals how big the UK wind industry is today, how much growth it expects, and the biggest challenge: the skills gap.
You might be wondering: “Such a big gap? How will we tackle it?” This article will address that question—in simple language. We’ll look at which jobs are in demand, what future forecasts say, and how the education-training system can fit into this.
Let’s get started—because this report isn’t just numbers, it’s a roadmap to the future workforce.
Overview Table
| Article | Wind industry skills intelligence report 2025 |
| Department | Renewable UK & Offshore Wind Industry Council (OWIC) |
| Effective Date | June 2025 |
| Key Findings | UK wind sector employs ~55,000 people; offshore ~40,000; predicts up to ~112,000 jobs by 2030 |
| Stakeholders | Wind industry firms, training/education providers, government, aspiring workforce |
| Report Website | https://www.renewableuk.com/news-and-resources/publications/wind-industry-skills-intelligence-report-2025/ |
Wind Sector Today: Size, Spread & Trends
According to the report, the UK wind sector employs ~55,000 people today—~40,000 offshore and ~15,000+ onshore.
“The number of people working in the offshore wind industry has risen from just over 32,000 two years ago to nearly 40,000 today.”
The offshore segment is projected to grow by ~24% from 2023 to 2025.
Trends show that Scotland, the East of England, and the Yorkshire & Humber regions will experience the most job growth.
Forecasts: A Jobs Boom by 2030?
The report presents some scenarios for 2030:
- Offshore job requirements could range from 74,000 to 95,000, depending on capacity targets.
- Onshore jobs are projected to increase to ~17,500 or more if the 27 GW onshore target is achieved.
- The total UK wind workforce could reach ~112,000 by 2030.
“Between 74,000 and 95,000 people will be needed to support the accelerated deployment of offshore wind by the end of the decade.”
But this isn’t just an optimistic scenario—the report also warns that if the skills gap isn’t bridged, the target could be difficult to reach.
Skills Gap: Which Roles Are in Demand?
The report highlights some specific roles where shortages may occur:
- High-voltage cable specialists
- Wind turbine technicians
- Environmental consultants
- Installation engineers
- Planning officers
- Technical managers
“The study identifies specific job roles where skills shortages need to be addressed such as high-voltage cable specialist, wind turbine technician, environmental advisor, installation engineer, planning officer and technical manager.”
Another challenge: the average age of workforce is under 40, which means there will be pressure on entrants.
Women’s workforce share is ~22% in 2025, and offshore target is 33% by 2030.
“The number of women working across the wind industry has continued to rise to reach 22%.”
Solutions & Recommendations: How to Bridge the Gap
The report makes some concrete recommendations:
- A national workforce strategy should be developed, including regional training hubs in coastal communities.
- A central workforce data observatory should be established to monitor labour supply, demand, and skill gaps.
- Industry should partner with education providers to develop apprenticeship and internship programs.
- Fast-track re-skilling pathways should be created, especially for those in sectors transitioning from related fields (such as oil and gas or the military).
“We recommend that the government pursue the creation of a more integrated skills system to match demand with the supply of available skills talent.”
The report says that all stakeholders – government, industry, training bodies – should work together to reduce skill mismatch.
Snapshot Table
| Metric/Indicator | Value/Projection | Notes/Source |
| Current UK wind workforce | ~55,000 people | Includes ~40,000 in offshore wind, ~15,000+ in onshore |
| Growth in offshore jobs 2023-2025 | ~24% increase | From ~32,000 to ~40,000 |
| Projected offshore workforce needed by 2030 | 74,000 to 95,000 | Under different deployment scenarios |
| Projected onshore workforce needed by 2030 | ~17,500+ | Based on 27 GW onshore deployment scenario |
| Total UK wind jobs by 2030 (projected | ~112,000 | Combining onshore + offshore projections |
| Female workforce share (2025) | ~22 % | With offshore target of 33 % by 2030 |
Challenges & Risks
There are also some serious warnings:
- If supply chain constraints persist, project delays could occur.
- Skills mismatch or shortages could jeopardize the development pipeline.
- Regional disparities: Some regions will have more jobs, some fewer—if there are no regional training hubs, this gap will widen.
- Training standards and credential alignment will be a challenge for transition workers (oil and gas sector).
“Skills shortages within the industry are already apparent. These skills shortages risk delaying projects and the Government’s Clean Power Mission.”
What It Means for You — Career, Training & Entry Pathways
If you want to pursue a career in the wind sector, these directions will be useful:
- Choose technical training that focuses on wind turbine, electrical, cable tech, etc. Focus on
- Re-skilling is possible if you’re in oil and gas or an allied sector.
- Seek apprenticeships/internships in coastal training hubs.
- Focus on STEM education (electrical, mechanical, environmental) as reports suggest STEM alignment is needed.
- Keep track of government/industry skills initiatives that offer scholarships and fast-track programs.
FAQs
1. How many people are currently employed in the UK wind industry?
Today, approximately 55,000 people work in the wind sector; of which ~40,000 are offshore and ~15,000+ are onshore.
2. How many jobs could be created by 2030?
The total wind sector could have ~112,000 jobs—with 74,000–95,000 offshore and ~17,500+ onshore roles.
3. Which roles will be most vulnerable?
High-voltage cable specialists, wind turbine technicians, installation engineers, environmental advisors, planning officers, technical managers.
4. How to address the skills gap?
Government and industry will need to develop a joint workforce strategy; regional training hubs; skills observatory; apprenticeships and fast-track training.
5. What is women’s participation and what is the target?
Women will account for ~22% of the workforce by 2025. The offshore sector’s target is 33% women by 2030.