Midlands Engine, HyDEX and the Institute of Employment Research at Warwick University have completed a report to provide insight into the level of green and hydrogen jobs within the Midlands region, and to illustrate the region’s position in relation to the green transition.
The study found that although less than 1% of jobs explicitly mention hydrogen, around 10% of all job vacancies in the Midlands are in industries that are linked or complement the hydrogen sector, like electrical fitters and software development professionals. It also highlights the strength of the Midlands in hydrogen, with 17% of all the UK’s hydrogen jobs being based in the region.
In addition, the report identifies that 41.9% of all employment in the Midlands can be classified as green jobs – including “Enhanced Skills & Knowledge Occupations” and “Increased Demand Occupations” reflecting existing jobs which contribute to green activities and those that are considerably influenced by the green economy.
The report found the region’s green jobs are mostly clustered among professional occupations, skills trade occupations, and process, plant and machine operatives, with a larger share of green employment in construction, engineering, manufacturing and transport industries in the Midlands than in the rest of the UK. Similarly, up to 50% of hydrogen-related jobs were in manufacturing, construction, and professional, scientific and technical sectors.
Speaking about the report, Dr Kathryn North, Head of Skills for HyDEX and the Energy Research Accelerator, said: “Our HyDEX programme is aiming to accelerate the growth of the hydrogen sector in the region by bringing together businesses with university experts. This report indicates the rapid growth in jobs related to the energy and green economies right across the region.
“We are supporting this growth by developing hydrogen skills amongst researchers in our university partnership, and beyond into industry and with schools. The report is a very clear indication that we are going to see a significant increase in hydrogen jobs in the Midlands over the coming years and we need to ensure that we are prepared to meet the associated demand for skills.”
HyDEX will use the findings from this report to further progress its work to develop the skilled workforce needed for a low carbon transition to hydrogen. This includes identifying and understanding the skills gaps and the challenges faced to recruit and meet labour demands for a wide spectrum of occupations which are required to deliver a hydrogen economy within the region and the rest of the UK.
There is an opportunity to hear and discuss the findings of the report on 27th October from 13.00 – 14.30 at an event organised by the Midlands Engine. If you are interested in attending this online meeting, please contact Lukasz Gasienca-Fronek: lukasz.gasienica-fronek@theeiu.org
A full version of the report is available on the Midlands Engine website.
