Welsh Government publishes plans for net-zero jobs

The Welsh Government has published a plan explaining how it will ensure that children, young people and workers have skills to be able to work in Net Zero industries that don't exist yet.

The Stronger, Fairer, Greener Wales: Net Zero Skills Plan sets out a long-term vision of how the Welsh Government, businesses and industry, the education and skills sectors and trades unions will work together to upskill the people of Wales to work in the net zero jobs of the future.

The announcement is part of plans to create a stronger, more competitive Welsh economy by narrowing the skills divide and tackling inequality.

The plan has seven key areas of action including gaining an understanding of the current skills position for each emission sector; building a shared understanding of net zero skills across the country; strengthening the skills systems and growing a skilled workforce to meet net zero commitments. The other priority areas are promoting opportunities for early years and young people to realise their potential; a cross-government and partnership approach to meeting the skills commitment; and a just transition.

Economy Minister, Vaughan Gething said: "The Welsh Government is determined to ensure we build a Stronger, Fairer, Greener Wales, where no one is left behind. We’ve committed to creating a Wales where individuals of all ages can receive a high-quality education, with jobs for all and where businesses can thrive in a net zero economy that champions fairness and equality.

"The Net Zero Skills plan I am unveiling today is designed to ensure today’s children and workers will have the skills they’ll need to work in the jobs of tomorrow; jobs that will become the cornerstone of the new industries of the future that are either in their infancy or don’t yet exist.

"The publication of the new plan is just the start of this process. Government cannot tackle the challenge alone. A Team Wales approach is the only way we can drive forward these changes and meet our net zero commitments. Everyone needs to take responsibility and play their part in taking action to improve practices, investing in people and communities to innovate and build a more resilient economy.

"I very look forward to working with all our partners to deliver our Net Zero Skills Action Plan to create a Fairer, Stronger, Greener Wales for all."

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