Why we need to train a new green workforce for a climate-friendly future

The heating of our homes, industries and businesses accounts for nearly 50 per cent of carbon dioxide emissions in Scotland. To help achieve Scotland’s goal of reaching net zero emissions by 2045, we have a unique opportunity to make a fundamental shift towards low-carbon heating solutions. Vattenfall is proudly working to support this target by collaborating with Midlothian Council and the City of Edinburgh Council.

In Midlothian we are constructing the MEL Heat Network to serve 3,000 local homes with low-carbon, reliable heat. In northwest Edinburgh, at Granton, we are in the development phase of a project that will connect a further 3,000 homes, existing schools, a college and national museums.

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The Scottish Government has already mandated that new buildings can no longer be heated with direct emissions boilers and is consulting on secondary legislation under the Heat Networks (Scotland) Act. Additionally, they are providing grants and loans to support the rollout of heat pumps and heat networks. Local authorities are also publishing strategies for local heat and energy efficiency measures (LHEES), with deployment plans set to follow.

Reaching the future workforce

As well as legislation, we need a skilled workforce to design, build and operate heat networks, helping Scotland achieve its 2045 target. This local infrastructure needs to be developed to support the large-scale rollout of low-carbon heating solutions.

At Vattenfall, building this infrastructure means we will actively invest in the resilience of the local area, contributing to lasting economic growth and well-being. This requires active engagement with local communities, helping to inspire, educate and connect them to the opportunities as the industry develops. The result will be a workforce that is ready and enthusiastic about embracing these new solutions.

Paul Steen is director of Heat Networks, North at Vattenfall Heat UK

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Across Vattenfall and the industry, initiatives are underway to support this effort. In Scotland, our goal is to develop a clear and accessible career pathway into the heat networks sector for individuals in the communities we are working in.

The development and operational timescales of district heating projects present lifelong career opportunities. To attract and build a resilient workforce, we need to consider the entire journey, from school age through to career development and training while in employment.

Partnerships are key

A welder joins pipes for the district heat network being built at the new Shawfair housing development on the outskirts of Edinburgh

To help us we have built a strong relationship with Midlothian Education and the senior personnel responsible for shaping the school curriculum. We are supported in the delivery of proven programmes through two leading local organisations – Edinburgh Science and Powering Futures – who are instrumental in developing opportunities for young people. These programmes are delivered in schools and with support from Developing the Young Workforce.

Through this career pathway programme, our goal is to directly engage over 1,000 young people in our first year. This engagement is focused near our energy centre at Millerhill and in Granton, which will serve our local heat networks. With the help of our partners, we have indirectly reached more than 17,500 individuals.

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In practice, the programme will reach more young people, as the content is used by our partners for additional outreach to schools and young people across all 32 local authorities. We plan to expand this initiative as we develop new heat networks across Scotland, with the aim of collaborating with industry partners to share our experience and programme.

We also intend to collaborate with our supply chain partners to offer apprenticeship opportunities and reskilling training. This summer, in partnership with Catalyse Change, we are welcoming graduates who will shadow our team in the workplace. All of these collaborations will continue and extend to build new academic content and opportunities for students.

Vattenfall is committed to supporting the growth of a skilled and knowledgeable workforce in the low-carbon heating sector, accelerating the expansion of the heat network industry that supports local communities as it develops. We believe that working towards fossil freedom is only possible through collaboration, and we’re grateful to our partners for enabling us to inspire the future workforce.

Paul Steen is director of Heat Networks, North at Vattenfall Heat UK