A SURVEY by an SNP MSP has found that only one in ten North Sea oil and gas workers believe they have enough opportunities to switch to renewables.
The poll of over 500 industry workers, undertaken by Aberdeenshire East MSP Gillian Martin, revealed a series of challenges lie ahead in the move away from fossil fuel dependancy.
Many told of issues with recruitment, training, certification and broader issues linked to a Just Transition.
READ MORE: 'Completely unacceptable' Scottish Government not consulted on energy strategy
Workers claimed that applicants from the oil and gas sector were “discriminated” against by renewable energy firms, and highlighted the high costs of retraining and a lack of information on job opportunities and support.
Martin suggested that a series of summits should be held to iron out the issues, adding that it was crucial that the work begins this year.
It comes as the UK Government has released its energy security strategy - which called for more nuclear power and drilling for oil and gas in the North Sea.
The bid has been roundly rejected by environmental campaigners who called for funding to be put towards a just transition, and for more focus on renewables.
Martin’s report, which has been sent out to decision makers, concluded: “It is clear from the issues raised that many workers in oil and gas don’t feel that they are being as supported as they would like to transition into renewable sectors.”
One of the issues raised in the report was that some respondents described problems trying to find employment in the renewables sector.
Of the 559 respondents, 47% (263) said that they felt their career experience in oil and gas had created barriers to employment.
A male rigger with 35 years of experience in the sector said in the report: “[I have] tried numerous times to gain other employment onshore but am convinced that being an offshore worker has went against me being successful.”
READ MORE: Independents likely to hold key in Scottish Borders council election
While a male maintenance technician with 28 years of experience said: “[I have been] turned away from onshore jobs - see offshore and not interested in giving you a chance.”
There are also concerns about how transferable skills are, and that many may be overqualified.
One respondent, Darren, who has 16 years of experience, said: “I can’t take my skills onshore as I’m deck crew.”
And a male production chemist, with 20 years of experience, said: “I’ve become too specialised in a niche role that has a limited future.”
On training opportunities, 168 respondents said that more needs to be done to help people retrain. This could be through financial incentives, free courses or training hubs set up specifically to facilitate a transition away from oil and gas.
Commenting on the publication of the report, Martin said: “We have limited powers in this area, but we must lead where we can.
“We must do so in a timely manner whilst also recognising we will need oil and gas for years to come and we must support the skills, talent and knowledge which exists in the sector already.
“The North Sea oil and gas industry is home to some of the best minds, skills innovation and technology. It also had the best safety culture in the world.
“It is clear from the survey of more than 500 people that there are a range of pressures on workers, from concerns about discrimination coming from the oil and gas sector, to struggles with the cost of paying for more than one certification in order to move into renewables.”
Martin explained that there is demand for assistance from workers to help them transition.
READ MORE: Johnson refuses to comment on Akshata Murty's non-dom status
She added: “Many workers who spoke to us want to move into the renewables sector but are simply unsure about how to do that whilst maintaining the potential for loss of income and unsure where their skills would be suited to, and are asking for more assistance.
“Scotland is already a leader in terms of climate change targets, and have ambitions that will secure our energy supply in a sustainable way, but we must take workers with us and the aim of this survey is to demonstrate where the gaps in doing this lie so that we can get it right and move quickly.
“The North Sea oil and gas industry has given so much to Scotland and the UK and as we move to the next chapter of energy provision I wanted to give voice to the people most affected in my area-those of oil and gas workers who are actively trying to make a transition to working within the renewables sector."
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel