Engineering contractors 'could see more opportunities in low-carbon UK'

Date: March 11, 2010

Category: Contractor Industry News

More positions for engineering contractors are likely to be seen in the emerging low-carbon economy, it has been suggested.

With the UK's wind industry predicted to be worth £75 billion and support up to 70,000 clean energy jobs by 2020 if it reaches its full potential, there could be many options for engineering contractors.

However, for this to happen, current workforces must be invested in, said David Kidney, minister for energy and climate change.

Speaking at the RenewableUK annual tidal and wave power conference , he pointed out that for the UK's sustainable energy sector to become competitive globally, businesses will need ever more skilled employees.

One of the largest offshore wind developments, run by ScottishPower owner Iberdola, is set to become a big employer of engineering contractors and staff.

With headquarters now established in Glasgow, more than 200 jobs are due to be created in the next five years.

Posted by John Crawley