What workforce is needed to deliver UK economic growth while meeting energy transition goals?
A new training facility focuses on welding, engineering and other practical skills as part of a public and private sector joint investment in the UK energy workforce
In Aberdeen, a state-of-the-art facility – which has just opened its doors to students – offers a blueprint for success.
One of its backers, Shell UK, says the specialist centre will help upskill, reskill and empower a new generation of energy professionals. It will play a key role in the change needed to unlock growth through the energy transition.
The Energy Transition Skills Hub (ETSH) was founded by ETZ Ltd, Shell UK and North East Scotland College, with support from UK Government funding and the Scottish Government’s Just Transition Fund.
The significance of the location in Aberdeen was not lost on the delegation at the hub’s opening recently. Home to over 1,000 energy companies, Aberdeen built its reputation during a long and successful history with the oil and gas sector. According to a 2024 Offshore Energies UK report the oil and gas industry accounts for 1 in 30 jobs in Scotland, and 1 in every 160 in the UK.
Many oil and gas workers today have the transferable skills needed to work across other energy sectors. With the right policy and sustained investment, Aberdeen could become an example of just transition in action: helping regions to deliver a balanced energy transition while protecting livelihoods and promoting economic resilience.
The new hub is also evidence of strong public and private sector collaboration.
And, importantly, it is tailored to employer needs, through industry-leading workshops and flexible teaching spaces. It features cutting-edge equipment that reflects the latest advancements in the energy sector and showcases emerging technologies related to offshore wind, electric vehicles, hydrogen fuel and carbon capture and storage.
Shell UK’s investment in the hub is part of its SkillsTransition programme, which aims to support 15,000 people into jobs, with a focus on the energy transition by 2035.
Aberdeen joins two other regional hubs in Fife and Pembrokeshire supporting around 5,000 learners over the next five years. All three areas bring deep energy heritage and untapped talent to the UK’s clean energy efforts.
The practical skills developed at these centres will be essential in creating a well-trained energy transition workforce, one that can unlock the UK’s growth prospects.
In 2024, 78.2% of Shell’s global investments included oil & gas, 11.37% included low-carbon energy solutions and 10.43% non-energy products.
Shell’s target is to become a net-zero emissions (NZE) energy business by 2050. Disclaimers, including NZE target: shell.com/disclaimer
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