RenewableUK welcomes global safety and skills organisation OPITO as new member

RenewableUK has announced that global safety and skills organisation OPITO has joined the trade association as its newest member. The move will accelerate efforts to increase workforce mobility across the energy sector and open up new opportunities for valued and skilled personnel.

RenewableUK and OPITO recognise that different parts of the energy sector have different skills requirements. Both bodies are committed to ensuring these critical needs are met in all parts of the energy sector. OPITO brings the benefits of fifty years of experience, knowledge and understanding, while enabling more cross-sector recognition and development of good working practices, standards and qualifications wherever possible.

RenewableUK’s Chief Executive Dan McGrail said “We’re delighted to welcome OPITO as a new member. Both organisations recognise the importance of our common values, cross-sector collaboration and knowledge-sharing throughout the energy sector. Their membership will help us to work in partnership to enable the oil and gas workforce to take advantage of opportunities in the thriving renewable energy sector, particularly in offshore wind where their experience is most prized. We’re working closely with OPITO to achieve a just energy transition focusing on the valuable skills which these people have to offer. OPITO’s membership of RenewableUK and their increased engagement with other members will enable us to make more of our joint commitments for the benefit of the entire energy sector”.

John McDonald, CEO of OPITO added: “The UK is uniquely placed to be a global leader in net zero energy skills. We are delighted to become a member of RenewableUK and look forward to working with Dan and his team, and fellow members, to build on our fifty-year global track record of providing safety and skills training standards, workforce development and STEM programmes for the benefit of the energy workforce. Our collaboration with RenewableUK comes at a critical time and will assist in the successful delivery of an Integrated People and Skills Plan as part of the North Sea Transition Deal on behalf of the UK Government.”

RenewableUK is currently holding its annual Global Offshore Wind conference and exhibition in London, the country’s biggest annual international event of its kind. The conference sessions cover a wide range of topics including collaboration between the offshore wind and oil and gas sectors.