Neil Reynolds explores opportunities open to Wales despite recruitment challenges and wave of retirements in the horizon.
Most employers in Wales are struggling to recruit skilled workers.
This was the key finding from a recent Engineering Construction Industry Training Board (ECITB) report, following its workforce census.
It found that 80% of employers in Wales are experiencing difficulties in recruiting skilled workers, a figure notably higher than the 71% reported across Great Britain.
Crane operators, welders, pipefitters, and project engineers are among the most challenging positions to fill.
On top of that, the industry faces an impending wave of retirements. The proportion of workers over 60 increased from 11% to 14.6% since 2021, while those under 30 have decreased from 18% to 12.1% in the same period.
These trends underscore the pressing need for targeted skills development and workforce planning in Wales.
These green skills already exist
Industrial hubs like Port Talbot, renowned for their steelworks and highly skilled workforce, are currently facing redundancies.
Wales isn't alone in this. British Steel recently announced it's consulting on whether to close two blast furnaces in Scunthorpe, a move that could put 2,700 jobs at risk.
The expertise in high-integrity construction and industrial operations present in these areas is invaluable for emerging sectors such as renewable energy, hydrogen, and the potential resurgence of nuclear power.
These new industries demand precision, safety, and quality control – skills that workers in Port Talbot and similar regions already possess.
By transitioning these talents toward the green economy, we can meet industry demands and provide new opportunities for affected workers.
Help the young generation see the difference they could make
Younger generations are driven by a mission to address climate change and build a better world.
The green economy offers them a chance to contribute to net zero infrastructure, climate adaptation, and nature restoration.
However, without a plan for skills development, the workforce under 30 will continue to shrink.
Investing in education and training today is critical to ensure future generations can thrive in local and international markets.
And, as past ICE Wales Cymru chair Peter Burns highlighted, we need to respect the apprenticeship route into engineering.
In conversations with students, graduates, and early careers personnel, many talk about their frustration of not being in the working environment as soon as they would’ve liked.
Taking a more practical route that allows these individuals to enter the workplace at an earlier stage, like an apprenticeship, could help their mindset on a personnel level and the industry from a general perspective.
Peter Burns
How to bridge the skills gap in engineering
To bridge the skills gap and foster a sustainable future, we propose the following actions:
1. Develop a national green skills strategy
This strategy should focus on upskilling workers from traditional industries like steel and energy.
It should promote STEM careers that emphasise sustainability and innovation and ensure training programmes align with the needs of emerging technologies.
2. Invest in regional training hubs
Establish centres of excellence in locations such as Port Talbot, Milford Haven, and North Wales to support green infrastructure and clean energy projects.
3. Foster cross-sector partnerships
Encourage collaboration among universities, technical colleges, government bodies, and industry leaders to deliver apprenticeships, upskilling programs, and alternative entry pathways.
4. Leverage global export potential
Position Wales not only to build a local workforce for its projects but also to export its expertise internationally, becoming a leader in sustainable engineering solutions.
How skills can support sustainable development
This approach aligns with the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015, which emphasises sustainable development and long-term planning.
The act requires public bodies in Wales to consider the long-term impact of their decisions and collaborate with people and communities.
It also asks them to aim to prevent persistent problems such as poverty, health inequalities, and climate change.
Investing in people to drive positive change
By investing in our people and creating a cohesive plan for green skills development, Wales can shape a future that is prosperous, inclusive, and sustainable.
Let us inspire and equip the next generation of engineers to meet the needs of our communities and drive positive change on a global scale.
Wales has led before, and we can do it again – this time, with green innovation at the forefront.
Learn more about how Wales’ Well-being of Future Generations Act supports sustainable development.
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