Transitioning into the offshore wind industry is an exciting opportunity for employers, especially in Scotland, which has become a leader in renewable energy. To successfully make this transition, businesses need to align with the specific skill sets required by the sector to build a workforce capable of handling complex offshore operations, engineering challenges, and environmental considerations.
Oil and gas sector and subsea industry expertise are readily transferable to floating offshore wind in particular and Scotland is a world leader in the deployment of floating wind with a huge pipeline of floating wind farms still to be delivered.
By focusing on upskilling existing employees, attracting new talent, and investing in education and training, businesses can secure a long-term presence in this rapidly growing sector. Partnerships with local educational institutions, government programmes, and industry bodies will further strengthen the pathway into the offshore wind industry.
Employers looking to engage or expand within Scotland’s offshore wind sector need a clear understanding of the industry landscape, including market trends, regulatory frameworks, supply chain opportunities, and workforce development needs.
Scotland’s offshore wind sector is a key driver of the country’s transition to net zero, with over 4GW of operational capacity and ambitious expansion plans. The ScotWind leasing round has awarded over 32GW of new projects, including both fixed-bottom and floating wind farms, solidifying Scotland’s position as a global leader in floating wind technology. Additionally, the 5.4GW INTOG leasing round supports floating wind innovation projects aimed at helping de-carbonise North Sea oil & gas production energy. The sector is set to create thousands of jobs, boost the Scottish supply chain, and drive innovation in ports, fabrication, and marine services. With strong government backing, targets of 11GW by 2030, and continued investment, Scotland is on track to become a major offshore wind hub in Europe.
Find out more about Key Sectors and Skill Areas for Offshore Wind below
Employers looking to transition into Scotland’s offshore wind industry.
Support for businesses and workers transitioning into the offshore wind industry.
