OPITO to lead all energy skills agenda with creation of Energy Transition team
OPITO, the global safety and skills body for the energy industry, has announced the creation of an Energy Transition team, to lead the development of innovative workforce standards, training and products to support the energy transition and decarbonisation agenda.
Led by newly appointed Head of Energy Transition, Andy Williamson, OPITO will build on its leading global position in oil and gas to identify opportunities across the renewable energy sector including hydrogen and Carbon Capture Usage and Storage, working in partnership with other industry and accreditation bodies to develop a safe, skilled and mobile workforce equipped with an ‘all-energy’ skills passport.
Andy has held senior roles in the energy and marine industry to deliver major supply chain and capital project investment including the initial development of ORE Catapult’s Blyth facility, the largest test and accreditation centre of its kind, supporting the global offshore wind industry. More recently, he led the transformation of Port of Blyth into one of the UK’s leading offshore energy hubs and is a STEM ambassador, working with a variety of organisations in the public and private sector to encourage young people into the energy sector.
Andy Williamson commented:
“The UK is uniquely placed to be a global leader in net zero skills, while addressing the triple challenge of climate change, energy security and affordability of supply. Working in collaboration with government and the energy industry globally, OPITO will apply its fifty-year heritage to accelerate the workforce transition at what is arguably a critical time for the climate change agenda and sustainable economic growth.”
The continued rapid growth of renewables - particularly in offshore wind- and the hydrogen economy will create increased demand for highly skilled people. The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), suggests that 42 million jobs will be created in renewables by 2050, with the number of jobs in offshore wind rising to one million, globally, over the same period.
Mr Williamson continued: “The need for better harmonisation of training and skills development across the energy sector has been well-reported and will become even more important as the energy system further integrates.
“There is a significant opportunity to transfer expertise across multiple energy sectors which can support the entire energy eco-system, both offshore and onshore, in a just and sustainable way and benefit an all energy workforce for the future.”
Find out more about our work to support the energy transition.
