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Case Study

Mapping Skills Requirements in Scotland’s Solar Industry

A forward-looking analysis assessing Scotland’s solar industry workforce needs, skills gaps, and growth opportunities to support the nation’s renewable energy ambitions.

PROJECT BACKGROUND

A rapid growth of the solar industry is essential for achieving Scotland’s renewable energy ambitions. Considering the proposed ambition of 4–6 GW of installed solar capacity by 2030, the sector might face a significant challenge: ensuring a sufficiently skilled workforce to meet future demands. This study, conducted by Optimat in collaboration with ITPEnergised, explored the current workforce landscape, predicted future requirements, and identified key skills gaps that could hinder growth.

AIMS & OBJECTIVES

Model current and future workforce requirements for Scotland’s solar industry under the assumption of 6 GW installed capacity by 2030
Estimate the number of skilled workers required at different project stages using a bespoke bottom-up workforce modelling approach
Identify workforce challenges and propose solutions to address skills shortages

Model current and future workforce requirements for Scotland’s solar industry under the assumption of 6 GW installed capacity by 2030
Estimate the number of skilled workers required at different project stages using a bespoke bottom-up workforce modelling approach
Identify workforce challenges and propose solutions to address skills shortages




OUR APPROACH

The research was conducted using a multi-faceted approach:

A comprehensive literature review was carried out to analyse existing workforce data, industry reports, and government policies.

Stakeholder engagement was then undertaken which included one-to-one interviews with key industry stakeholders, followed by a presentation with feedback session at Solar Energy Scotland’s working group.

Additionally, a combination of top-down and bottom-up workforce modelling was applied to estimate job requirements and identify future gaps.

DELIVERY TEAM

Deborah Creamer
Managing Director & Senior Consultant
About>
Jolanta Beinaroviča
Senior Consultant
About>
Iain Weir
Senior Consultant
About>
Jordan Stodart
Senior Consultant
About>

ITPEnergised

OUTPUTS AND IMPACTS

The workforce serving the solar industry in Scotland was projected to grow from 800 full time equivalents (FTEs) in 2023 to over 11,000 FTEs by 2030. Construction-related activities contribute to 82% of this growth, accounting largely for the large-scale ground-mounted solar projects. Operation and maintenance roles will require around 2,000 FTEs by 2030, providing more stable long-term employment.

However, there is a severe shortage of skilled labour across all project stages, particularly in roles such as electricians, grid connection engineers, high voltage technicians, and construction workers including civil contractors, labourers, crane operators, and roofers. Many of these skills are also in high demand in other energy sectors, leading to increased competition for talent. A lack of specific solar training in Scotland’s education and apprenticeship programmes is further exacerbating the issue.

To address the growing skills demand and ensure a sustainable workforce pipeline, several actions could be taken. The solar industry has the opportunity to attract new talent by promoting its sustainability credentials and engaging with educational institutions. Specialised training would be beneficial, such as a renewable energy apprenticeship, solar-focused modules in engineering courses, and an expanded vocational graduate schemes. Strengthening collaboration between industry, training providers, and government agencies could also support the talent pipeline. Additionally, upskilling initiatives, short courses, in-house training, and structured career progression frameworks may support talent retention.

Read the full report on the ClimateXchange website:

Deborah Creamer

Managing Director

I’m Deborah Creamer, the Managing Director of Optimat. I’m passionate about helping organisations and businesses make smarter, evidence-based decisions, especially when it comes to innovation, technology, and long-term growth.

I’ve been part of the Optimat team since 1998, specialising in strategic industrial analysis for high-tech sectors. Over the years, I’ve built up a deep understanding of what drives success in innovation and economic development, and I enjoy working with clients to turn data and insight into meaningful action.

I specialise in advanced materials and manufacturing and the industries in which they play a key role – ranging from aerospace to medical devices. My particular area of expertise is in funding for innovation, spanning a broad spectrum from evaluating R&D and innovation funding application to developing business cases for significant innovation assets in Scotland and the UK. I’ve supported many organisations to craft successful funding applications whether that is for a small R&D project or a state-of-the-art innovation centre and it’s incredibly rewarding to help secure the backing that great ideas need to become reality. Ibelieve in the power of innovation, collaboration, and practical thinking to create lasting impact, for businesses, industries, and communities.

Before joining Optimat, my career started in materials R&D and new product development, working with BP International and Bourns Electronics Inc. That hands on industry experience gave me a solid foundation in how technologies evolve and get to market.

I hold a BSc (Hons) in Metallurgy and Materials Engineering, an MBA, and I’m a Chartered Engineer.

Jolanta Beinaroviča

Senior Consultant

I’m Jolanta, a Senior Consultant at Optimat, where I specialise in the life sciences sector, including pharmaceuticals, industrial biotechnology, medical technology, and digital health. Iam particularly interested in how these fields are shaped and enabled by emerging technologies.

My work focuses on supporting clients across industry and public sector to make informed, strategic decisions. I am passionate about techno-market research and forecasting, and I draw on a strong foundation in science and technology to help clients identify opportunities and build a competitive advantage to deliver economic and societal benefits.

Since joining Optimat in 2022, I have contributed to a wide range of projects, including targeted market research studies, industrial sector profiling, capability audits, commercial opportunity mapping, commercialisation planning, and skills and workforce forecasting. I also have significant experience in due diligence, having evaluated numerous R&D grant proposals across various funding mechanisms. Alongside this, I have supported clients with programme design and undertaken several project and programme evaluations.

Before Optimat, I worked as an R&D scientist in several engineering biology spinouts and also gained experience as a casual academic and medical writer. This background has given me a strong analytical skillset and deep insight into early-stage technology transfer and commercialisation, which I now apply to help clients develop robust, evidence-informedstrategies towards achieving their goals.

I hold a BSc (Hons) in Biotechnology & Biochemistry and a PhD in Synthetic Biology. I am currently pursuing an MBA (Technology Management), with the support of Optimat.

Iain Weir

Senior Consultant

I’m Iain Weir, formerly Managing Director of Optimat.  I joined Optimat in 1990 and now have over 35 years’ experience of strategy, innovation and economic development consultancy. I am now working part-time as a senior consultant as a stepping stone to retirement in the future.

During my time at Optimat, I’ve worked to support company growth, innovation and economic development across a range of sectors, and I enjoy working with clients to turn data and insight into meaningful action.  I’m proud to have had an integral role over that time in developing Optimat into an internationally recognised strategy consultancy.

One of my key areas of expertise is the development of the low carbon economy, a topic of increasing importance for today’s industries.  I think this is a challenging area for industry and the public sector to address as there can be several solutions offered to reduce carbon impacts, often without a strong evidence base to support their use. I enjoy pursuing an evidence-based analyses of these options to provide valuable insights to stakeholders.

Before joining Optimat, I worked in research and development in the electro-optic materials sector, developing and marketing innovative high-tech materials for a range of applications.  This industrial experience has strongly influenced my approach to assisting companies with their innovation activities.

I hold a BSc (1st class Hons) in Chemistry, a PhD in Chemistry, and an MBA.  I think this strong scientific background has enabled me to pursue an evidence-based and analytical approach to consultancy.

Jordan Stodart

Senior Consultant

I’m Jordan, a Senior Consultant at Optimat. I specialise in digital and data technologies, especially novel and emerging fields such as AI, IoT, immersive tech, and quantum computing. I support the development of high-growth, high-innovation sectors by delivering studies that make a meaningful impact and help shape industries now and in the future.

I’m very passionate about helping industries navigate change by identifying challenges, uncovering opportunities and designing strategies that address both. This often involves leveraging cutting-edge technologies to improve efficiency, productivity and competitiveness.

In recent years, I’ve built a strong understanding of the innovation landscape by mapping sector ecosystems, assessing R&D funding bids, contributing to European RD&I consortia, and ultimately delivering a wide range of sector studies in key growth sectors such as digital/data, low carbon and net zero, high value manufacturing, the built environment, and more.

Before joining Optimat, I co-founded a digital tech start-up, an experience that grounded me in the everyday realities of running a business. That perspective has been especially useful in an employee-owned company like Optimat, where everyone helps shape the direction of the business.

I hold an MA (Hons) English Literature and an MLitt (Masters) degree from the University of Glasgow, where I mentor students on the MSc FinTech programme. I also support Scotland’s future entrepreneurs through Young Enterprise’s Company Connect programme where I also provide mentorship.