Offshore Wind
Scotland is rapidly establishing itself as a global leader in offshore wind. More than 3GW of offshore wind capacity is already installed in Scottish waters, with a further 7GW in the late stages of development.
Upcoming projects, including ScotWind and INTOG (Innovation and Targeted Oil and Gas), are set to add an additional 35.4GW of offshore wind energy to the grid. By 2050, offshore wind is expected to generate around 50% of Scotland’s total renewable energy output.
What Does That Mean for the Job Market in Scotland?
Between 2024 and 2029, the offshore wind sector’s workforce is expected to grow from around 9,000 to more than 40,000, according to Opergy’s Energy Skills Intelligence Hub.
This increase creates significant employment opportunities for people starting their careers, with demand for a wide range of skills increasing sharply. It also offers a pathway for experienced workers to retrain and transition into a fast‑growing, future‑focused sector.
By 2050, offshore wind is expected to generate around 50% of Scotland’s total renewable energy output.
Between 2024 and 2029, the offshore wind sector’s workforce is expected to grow from around 9,000 to more than 40,000
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Job Roles in Offshore Wind
The following jobs have been identified by Skills Development Scotland as critical skills gaps in the offshore wind industry.
Project Management
- Health and Safety Officer
- This role requires a relevant occupational health and safety certificate (e.g., NEBOSH or IOSH), as well as experience in offshore projects (e.g., renewable energy, oil and gas). There are relevant apprenticeship frameworks that offer a route to this role.
Project Development
- Consents Manager
- This role requires a degree in a relevant subject area such as environmental science, marine biology/science, urban planning, geography/earth sciences or environmental law.
- Maritime Planning Officer
- This role requires a degree in maritime studies, environmental planning or a related field. Must have knowledge of maritime laws and marine spatial planning.
- Legal Counsel
- This role requires a degree in a relevant subject area such as environmental science, marine biology/ science, urban planning, geography/earth sciences or environmental law.
- Consultant – Grid Connection and Application
- This role requires degree-level qualifications in electrical engineering, power systems, renewable energy, or a related field, and experience with high-voltage systems, including the national grid. Also requires proficiency with grid modelling software.
- Consultant – Site Design and Modelling
- This role requires degree-level qualifications in civil engineering, environmental science, renewable energy, or related fields. Also requires proficiency with 3D modelling and geospatial systems software.
- Consultant - Energy Yield Assessor and Design
- This role requires a degree in renewable energy, electrical engineering, meteorology, or a related technical field. Also requires proficiency with energy yield modelling software.
- Environmental Consultant
- This role requires a degree in marine biology, environmental science, or a related field.
- Marine Ecologist
- This role requires a degree in marine biology or ecology.