The United Kingdom’s transition to clean energy is forecast to generate a major employment boom, creating hundreds of thousands of new jobs for skilled tradespeople by the end of the decade.

A new government analysis projects over 400,000 roles will be created in sectors like nuclear power, renewable energy, and carbon capture. This surge is expected to drive particularly high demand for plumbers, carpenters, electricians, and welders.

To meet its 2030 targets, the report indicates the country will need twice as many plumbers and carpenters and three times the number of welders compared to 2023 levels.

Energy Secretary Ed Miliband emphasized the government’s commitment to preparing British workers for these opportunities, stating the goal is to ensure these new jobs are filled locally. He identified clean energy as the source of future high-quality employment, specifically mentioning roles in nuclear power stations, offshore wind, and carbon capture projects.

The job creation will be spread across the country. Major projects include the Sizewell C nuclear plant in East England, expected to employ 10,000 people at its peak, and carbon capture initiatives in Scotland and Northeast England that will support around 35,000 jobs.

Despite the optimistic outlook, some analysts have raised concerns about a potential shortage of qualified domestic workers, which could lead to project delays and increased costs. In response, the government has pointed to a record £3 billion investment in skills training, part of a broader strategy to build a net-zero energy system by 2050 while driving economic renewal