The study focuses on activities that will help reduce emissions, including renewable energy, improving the energy efficiency of existing buildings, and the move to electric vehicles. Using a technology-to-skills mapping framework, the study translates these activities into estimates of future workforce demand, identifying potential skills gaps, workforce bottlenecks and training priorities.

Key findings

• Demand for EV-related jobs is projected to increase from 200 jobs in 2026 to 2,800 jobs by 2045, with increasing demand for skills in electrical systems, battery technologies and digital diagnostics.
  
  
• Employment linked to net zero construction activities is projected to increase from 2,000 jobs in 2026 to 13,800 jobs by 2035, creating strong demand for occupations such as electricians, plumbers, heating engineers, carpenters, joiners and construction project managers.
  
  
• Emerging skills requirements include skills related to EV systems, digital diagnostics, connected vehicles, battery systems, electrical charging systems, alongside solar energy systems, smart energy infrastructure, building energy management systems (BEMS) and energy efficiency in construction.
  
  
• Substantial overlap exists between occupations related to the transition to net zero in transport and construction, creating both opportunities for workforce mobility and potential competition for skilled workers.