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Case Study

Training Provision in Scotland’s Onshore Wind and Solar Industries

An assessment of Scotland’s training landscape for the onshore wind and solar sectors, identifying gaps and opportunities to build a skilled workforce for a net-zero future.

PROJECT BACKGROUND

The expansion of Scotland’s onshore wind and solar sectors is critical to achieving the country’s net-zero ambition by 2045. As forecasts indicate a sharp increase in workforce demand by 2030, ensuring a well-trained, skilled workforce is essential to meeting this challenge. This study assesses the current training provision in Scotland for the onshore wind and solar industries, identifies key gaps and barriers, and proposes strategies to align workforce development with industry needs.

AIMS & OBJECTIVES

Evaluate existing training provision for the onshore wind and solar industries in Scotland and its alignment with industry requirements
Identify gaps in current programmes, assess barriers to training expansion, and propose recommendations to improve workforce preparedness
Explore strategies to meet future workforce demands through enhanced training initiatives and policy alignment

Evaluate existing training provision for the onshore wind and solar industries in Scotland and its alignment with industry requirements
Identify gaps in current programmes, assess barriers to training expansion, and propose recommendations to improve workforce preparedness
Explore strategies to meet future workforce demands through enhanced training initiatives and policy alignment




OUR APPROACH

The methodology aimed to provide a detailed and practical understanding of Scotland’s training landscape for onshore wind and solar sectors and inform strategic recommendations for enhancement.

We reviewed national and international policies to understand best practices in training provision, before analysing existing training programmes in academic institutions and private training centres, assessing their relevance to industry demands.

Stakeholder consultations with representatives from industry, government, and education providers provided insights into workforce development challenges and opportunities for enhancement.

DELIVERY TEAM

Jolanta Beinaroviča
Senior Consultant
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Deborah Creamer
Managing Director & Senior Consultant
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Mark Morrison
Senior Consultant
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OUTPUTS AND IMPACTS

Based on the previous study findings, Scotland’s onshore wind workforce is projected to increase from 6,900 full-time equivalent (FTE) jobs in 2024 to over 20,500 by 2027; simultaneously, the solar workforce is expected to grow from 800 FTEs in 2023 to over 11,000 by 2030. Both sectors require a blend of specialised skills, broader STEM expertise, and other workforce capabilities, such as project management and finance.

Fragmentation in skills governance between the solar and wind sectors is a significant challenge, with both sectors requiring similar expertise. While Scotland boasts robust allied STEM training, specialised training for onshore wind and solar remains insufficient.

Funding constraints were reported to hinder the expansion of training programmes, with many colleges struggling to modernise due to high equipment and facility costs. Uncertainty caused by shifting policies and market instability discourages investment in apprenticeships and workforce training, while high competition for skilled workers and temporary construction roles contribute to workforce movement to other sectors.

Addressing these issues requires attracting new talent and enhancing industry collaboration. The solar sector could benefit from increased engagement with schools and universities, promoting clear career pathways and sustainability credentials. Expanding specialised training through renewable energy apprenticeships, solar-specific modules in engineering courses, and strengthened partnerships between training providers, government, and industry could help in creating a stable workforce pipeline.

Read the full report on the ClimateXchange website

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.

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.

Mark Morrison

Senior Consultant

I’m Mark, a Senior Consultant at Optimat. I specialise in life sciences and sustainability, working closely with clients to help them understand new technology and market opportunities as well as workforce skills requirements to enable these to become reality.

I’ve been with Optimat since 2015 and worked with a range of public sector clients to deliver insightful market and sector analyses in subject areas including synthetic biology, chemical manufacturing, carbon capture utilisation and storage, medical devices, decarbonised transport, and renewable energy. I’ve also supported private sector clients to secure grant funding from Scottish, UK and European agencies, and have coordinated a number of European Commission funded projects.

Before joining Optimat I was the CEO of the Institute of Nanotechnology, a not-for-profit organisation that was instrumental in raising the profile and opportunities in nanotechnology for UK and European businesses. This provided me with first-hand experience of engaging and collaborating with a range of stakeholders in private, public and third sector organisations across Europe.

I hold a BSc (Hons) in Molecular Biology from the University of Glasgow and a PhD in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from the University of Manchester.