Where the Energy Training Pipeline Stands
Every country training people for the energy sector has bodies whose job is to know how many people it needs and whether its training system can supply them. Each sees its own patch. This page puts their accounts side by side.
The figures below come from reports published by each region's training and workforce bodies. Those bodies define the sector differently, so compare what they say about direction — shortages easing or worsening, pipelines growing or thin — rather than adding or ranking their numbers against each other.
The global picture
Before the regions, the scale of the task, in the words of the international bodies and researchers who measure it. Each figure names its source.
How many people the transition needs
- The energy sector employs 76 million people worldwide.IEA — World Energy Employment 2025
- Trades workers such as electricians, welders and line workers stay the largest group in energy, and more than 5.8 million more are needed between 2024 and 2035.IEA — World Energy Outlook 2025
- To 2030, the transition creates 24-25 million new jobs, far more than the six to seven million it removes.International Labour Organization — ILO News, "Renewable energy jobs have reached 12 million globally" (2021)older evidence, from 2021
- The skills gap in the green economy will rise to 7 million people by 2030.Boston Consulting Group — "Will a Green Skills Gap Put Climate Goals at Risk?" (2023)older evidence, from 2023
What employers report
- Around 60% of more than 400 energy firms surveyed report hiring difficulties because of skills and labour shortages.IEA — World Energy Employment 2025
- 62% of business leaders surveyed say green-skills shortages will slow the transition.Economist Impact — Green skills: driving the transition to a more sustainable future (2024), supported by Iberdrola
- Only 55% run, or plan to run, green-skills training for their own workforce.Economist Impact — Green skills: driving the transition to a more sustainable future (2024), supported by Iberdrola
- Just 43% work, or plan to work, with schools and colleges on a talent pipeline.Economist Impact — Green skills: driving the transition to a more sustainable future (2024), supported by Iberdrola
Can training keep up?
- 51% of jobs in the energy industry need some vocational training.IEA — World Energy Employment 2024older evidence, from 2023
- For every new entrant under 25, electricity grids have 1.4 workers within ten years of retirement, and nuclear has 1.7.IEA — World Energy Employment 2025
- Energy and utilities leaders put renewable energy system management and integration first among the green skills they need (51% of 192 respondents).Economist Impact — Green skills: driving the transition to a more sustainable future (2024), supported by Iberdrola
14 regions, 4,197 published statements from training bodies — last updated 5 October 2026.
In short
Technical training pipelines for electrical, efficiency, and clean-energy disciplines face persistent shortfalls relative to employer demand across multiple areas. In Germany, the net supply of new skilled workers remains smaller than the number leaving Mechatronics, Energy and Electrical Professions. In France, employers anticipate that 82% of planned recruitments for electrical and electronics technicians and supervisors in 2026 will be difficult. In South Korea, projections from 2025–2034 show shortages of university graduates in energy transmission and storage, nuclear power, and energy efficiency, contrasting with projected surpluses in fossil fuels. Australia similarly reports shortages for Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Technicians in 2025, but no shortage for Gas or Petroleum Production Technicians.
Region by region
Australia
Based on 1,667 published statements from 2 training bodies: Jobs and Skills Australia and Powering Skills Organisation.
Most of this region's evidence comes from one body; a second body's account is included.
Electrical apprentice commencements strongly correlated to economic cycles; one per cent reduction in unemployment correlates with approximately 15 per cent increase in Electrician apprenticeship commencements
Powering Skills OrganisationAir Conditioning and Refrigeration Technician in Australia: Shortage (2025 Occupation Shortage List, all industries)
Jobs and Skills AustraliaBoosting Apprenticeship Commencements (BAC) provided a 50 per cent wage subsidy for the first 12 months of an apprenticeship, followed by tapered support in subsequent years (10 per cent in year two and five per cent in year three)
Powering Skills Organisationolder evidence, from 2022Earthmoving Plant Operator (General) in Australia: Regional Shortage (2025 Occupation Shortage List, all industries)
Jobs and Skills AustraliaBoosting Apprenticeship Commencements (BAC) increased apprenticeship commencements by around 70 per cent above the level expected in the absence of the program, with strong effects in trade occupations including electrical trades
Powering Skills Organisationolder evidence, from 2022Gas or Petroleum Production Technician in Australia: No Shortage (2025 Occupation Shortage List, all industries)
Jobs and Skills Australia
Global lens: 26% of the renewable energy workforce was hired from abroad.IEA — Ensuring a Skilled Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Workforce (2026)older evidence, from 2021
Return to list of regionsSingapore
Based on 929 published statements from SkillsFuture Singapore.
One source only — SkillsFuture Singapore
Career coaching and employability skills workshops through WSG Career Centres and e2i
SkillsFuture Singapore93% of technical professionals in Energy and Power sector received training in 2016
SkillsFuture Singaporeolder evidence, from 2016Workforce size has grown from 4,300 employees in 2011 to 5,340 employees in 2016
SkillsFuture Singaporeolder evidence, from 2016Monetary award of $10,000 to recognise Singapore Citizens with deep skills
SkillsFuture SingaporeAbout 62% of the workforce in 2016 are technical positions
SkillsFuture Singaporeolder evidence, from 2016Skills in demand: Distributed Energy Resource Skills, Energy Demand Management Skills, IoT Skills, Autonomous Systems Management Skills, Data Analytics Skills, Operational Technology Cybersecurity Skills, Digital Sales and Marketing Skills
SkillsFuture Singaporeolder evidence, from 2018
Canada
Based on 398 published statements from 2 training bodies: Canadian Renewable Energy Association and Careers in Energy (Energy Safety Canada).
M&A activity since 2024 has accelerated consolidation and had greater impact on workforce than AI or automation
Careers in Energy (Energy Safety Canada)Employment in the sector anticipated to grow overall by 2% by 2022, need to recruit over 20,500 new employees
Canadian Renewable Energy Associationolder evidence, from 2022Consolidation due to M&As improved labour productivity in 2025 with qualified talent pool readily available
Careers in Energy (Energy Safety Canada)60% of external hires in renewable-energy industry are recent post-secondary graduates
Canadian Renewable Energy Associationolder evidence, from 2017Labour shortages for energy services and drilling occupations expected to persist and worsen in 2027-2028
Careers in Energy (Energy Safety Canada)10 fossil fuel workers and 5 Louis Bull Tribe members trained in solar installation
Canadian Renewable Energy Associationolder evidence, from 2023
Global lens: 24% of the renewable energy workforce was hired from abroad.IEA — Ensuring a Skilled Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Workforce (2026)older evidence, from 2021
Return to list of regionsIndia
Based on 273 published statements from 2 training bodies: Power Sector Skill Council and TERI, GIZ and Skill Council for Green Jobs.
Most of this region's evidence comes from one body; a second body's account is included.
Over 86% of training institutions offer at least one trade in electrical, mechanical, renewable energy, or EV technologies
TERI, GIZ and Skill Council for Green Jobs3,500+ personnel in Kerala power sector to be equipped with skill development training
Power Sector Skill CouncilMore than 73% of surveyed organizations indicate female employees make up less than 25% of their workforce
TERI, GIZ and Skill Council for Green JobsTraining program officially commenced at 26 locations
Power Sector Skill CouncilEntire training program completed in 106 days
Power Sector Skill CouncilMemorandum of Understanding signed between PSSC and KSEB for skill development initiative
Power Sector Skill Council
Global lens: About 1.3 million renewable energy jobs.IRENA — Renewable Energy and Jobs Annual Review 2025
Return to list of regionsUnited Kingdom
Based on 216 published statements from 2 training bodies: Energy & Utility Skills and Engineering Construction Industry Training Board.
Science, Research, Engineering and Technology Professionals will need 32,800 new people total (4,700 per year) by 2030
Energy & Utility SkillsNuclear sector is now the largest engineering construction sector, employing 39.2% of total workforce
Engineering Construction Industry Training BoardBusiness and Public Service Associate Professionals will need 17,900 new people total (2,600 per year) by 2030
Energy & Utility SkillsWomen comprise 14% of oil and gas sector workforce, three percentage points behind industry average
Engineering Construction Industry Training BoardSkilled Metal, Electrical and Electronic Trades will need 22,100 new people total (3,200 per year) by 2030
Energy & Utility SkillsWorkers from ethnic minority groups make up 12% of sector workforce; 10.4% are non-UK nationals
Engineering Construction Industry Training Board
Chile
Based on 87 published statements from Ministerio de Energía de Chile / BID.
One source only — Ministerio de Energía de Chile / BID
Advanced or specialized handling of information technology tools most demanded technical skill (64.2% of unfilled vacancies)
Ministerio de Energía de Chile / BIDLack of sufficient work experience is a key reason for unfilled vacancies, cited for nearly 95% of hard-to-fill positions
Ministerio de Energía de Chile / BIDRelated training enrollment in higher education approximately 156,000 students, representing over 11% of total enrollment
Ministerio de Energía de Chile / BIDAbility to set objectives and plan resources most demanded soft skill (64.9% of unfilled vacancies)
Ministerio de Energía de Chile / BIDAnnual cumulative growth rate for related training enrollments 5.7% compared to 3.5% overall
Ministerio de Energía de Chile / BIDOver 82% of companies reported serious difficulties filling vacancies in the last 12 months
Ministerio de Energía de Chile / BID
Europe
Based on 79 published statements from 2 training bodies: European Technology and Innovation Platforms and SolarPower Europe.
Most of this region's evidence comes from one body; a second body's account is included.
Pressing need for workers across qualification levels as Europe expands PV manufacturing from 5-10 GW/year to 30 GW/year
European Technology and Innovation PlatformsSolar PV workforce has more than doubled in under five years
SolarPower Europe15,000 designers and 30,000 installers will need to be trained for geothermal heat pumps over next 5 years
European Technology and Innovation Platformsolder evidence, from 2022Approximately one million jobs by 2030
SolarPower Europe10GW of PV manufacturing requires at least 1,000 highly qualified engineers
European Technology and Innovation PlatformsEmerging skills needed for offshore wind including environmental specialists, marine specialists, met-ocean specialists, geophysicists, geotechnicians, naval architects and marine warranty surveyors
European Technology and Innovation Platforms
Global lens: Just under 1.8 million renewable energy jobs in the 27 EU member states.IRENA — Renewable Energy and Jobs Annual Review 2025
Return to list of regionsSweden
Based on 65 published statements from 2 training bodies: Energiföretagen Sverige and Myndigheten för yrkeshögskolan.
634 active and decided places for high-voltage technician training with completion year 2025
Myndigheten för yrkeshögskolanRecruitment need for technicians and engineers increased 150 percent since 2017
Energiföretagen Sverigeolder evidence, from 2022668 active and decided places for high-voltage technician training with completion year 2026
Myndigheten för yrkeshögskolanEnergy sector training investment: 9 days per employee per year in 2023-2024
Energiföretagen Sverige808 active and decided places for high-voltage technician training with completion year 2027
Myndigheten för yrkeshögskolan95 percent of new hires remain during their first year of employment
Energiföretagen Sverige
South Africa
Based on 35 published statements from Energy and Water SETA (EWSETA).
One source only — Energy and Water SETA (EWSETA)
Skills and competencies needed for sales, installation, and maintenance of hydrogen fuel cell systems
Energy and Water SETA (EWSETA)older evidence, from 2023Increasing need for supply of skills, knowledge, and competencies in renewable energy subsectors
Energy and Water SETA (EWSETA)Need to implement skills development for Energy Performance of buildings and energy efficiency
Energy and Water SETA (EWSETA)Long-term skills development partnership with Eskom for worker capacitation in energy sector
Energy and Water SETA (EWSETA)Need to develop qualifications responding to emerging skill needs in just energy transition
Energy and Water SETA (EWSETA)Skills development needs for natural gas reticulation and distribution infrastructure
Energy and Water SETA (EWSETA)older evidence, from 2023
Germany
Based on 30 published statements from 2 training bodies: Bundesagentur für Arbeit and Bundesinstitut für Berufsbildung.
Power line installation and maintenance occupations in Germany (skilled-worker level): median vacancy duration 141 days; 1.9 jobseekers per vacancy; occupation unemployment rate 2.7% (2025 shortage analysis, all industries)
Bundesagentur für ArbeitNet supply of new skilled workers from domestic and foreign sources is smaller than the number of workers leaving the workforce in Mechatronics, Energy and Electrical Professions
Bundesinstitut für BerufsbildungPlumbing, heating and air-conditioning occupations in Germany (skilled-worker level): median vacancy duration 120 days; 1.1 jobseekers per vacancy; occupation unemployment rate 2.4% (2025 shortage analysis, all industries)
Bundesagentur für ArbeitNumber of skilled workers with learned profession in Mechatronics, Energy and Electrical Professions is declining
Bundesinstitut für BerufsbildungPlumbing, heating and air-conditioning occupations in Germany (specialist level): median vacancy duration 100 days; 1.1 jobseekers per vacancy; occupation unemployment rate 2.1% (2025 shortage analysis, all industries)
Bundesagentur für ArbeitShare of workers aged 55 and older in Mechatronics, Energy and Electrical Professions is higher than in overall economy, with proportionally more leaving the labour market by 2023 compared to other occupational groups
Bundesinstitut für Berufsbildungolder evidence, from 2023
France
Based on 18 published statements from 2 training bodies: France Stratégie / Dares and France Travail.
Electrical, electronics and automation maintenance technicians in France: at least 2,856 planned recruitments in 2026, and employers expect 61% of them to be difficult (2026 employer survey, all industries)
France TravailSkilled building finishing trades (electricians, plumbers, heating engineers and others) in France, projected 2019–2030: 177.3 thousand recruitment needs against 106.7 thousand young entrants; recruitment needs exceed young entrants by 70.6 thousand (reference scenario, all industries)
France Stratégie / Daresolder evidence, from 2022Electrical and electronics technicians and supervisors in France: at least 3,053 planned recruitments in 2026, and employers expect 82% of them to be difficult (2026 employer survey, all industries)
France TravailElectrical and electronics technicians and supervisors in France, projected 2019–2030: 32.6 thousand recruitment needs against 31.5 thousand young entrants; recruitment needs exceed young entrants by 1.1 thousand (reference scenario, all industries)
France Stratégie / Daresolder evidence, from 2022Heavy-plant operators in process and energy industries in France: at least 5,986 planned recruitments in 2026, and employers expect 58% of them to be difficult (2026 employer survey, all industries)
France TravailIndustrial engineers and technical managers in France, projected 2019–2030: 160.2 thousand recruitment needs against 141.2 thousand young entrants; recruitment needs exceed young entrants by 18.9 thousand (reference scenario, all industries)
France Stratégie / Daresolder evidence, from 2022
Global lens: About 174,000 renewable energy jobs.IRENA — Renewable Energy and Jobs Annual Review 2025older evidence, from 2023
Return to list of regionsUnited States
Based on 12 published statements from U.S. Department of Labor.
One source only — U.S. Department of Labor
United States, FY 2021: 1,065 active registered apprentices in the Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction industry (national Registered Apprenticeship system)
U.S. Department of Laborolder evidence, from 2021United States, FY 2025: 29,081 registered apprentices served in the energy industry, which DOL states is a 53 percent increase over the past five years
U.S. Department of LaborUnited States, FY 2021: 4,318 active registered apprentices in the Line Erector occupation (national Registered Apprenticeship system)
U.S. Department of Laborolder evidence, from 2021United States, FY 2021: 71,812 active registered apprentices in the Electrician occupation (national Registered Apprenticeship system)
U.S. Department of Laborolder evidence, from 2021United States, FY 2021: 2,184 active registered apprentices in the Boilermaker occupation (national Registered Apprenticeship system)
U.S. Department of Laborolder evidence, from 2021United States, FY 2021: 6,033 active registered apprentices in the Millwright occupation (national Registered Apprenticeship system)
U.S. Department of Laborolder evidence, from 2021
Global lens: About 1.15 million renewable energy jobs.IRENA — Renewable Energy and Jobs Annual Review 2025
Return to list of regionsDenmark
Based on 11 published statements from Green Power Denmark.
One source only — Green Power Denmark
42% view opportunities to hire employees with right competencies in Denmark as poor or very poor through 2030
Green Power Denmarkolder evidence, from 2023Average of approximately 19,000 additional skilled tradespeople per year needed through 2030
Green Power Denmarkolder evidence, from 202248% experience labour shortage limiting their activities in Denmark
Green Power Denmarkolder evidence, from 202351% experienced failed recruitment in the past year
Green Power Denmarkolder evidence, from 202363% cite making vocational education more attractive to youth as among most important policy measures to strengthen labour access for green transition
Green Power Denmarkolder evidence, from 2023Average of 10,000 additional full-time equivalents per year with higher education needed 2023-2030, especially engineers
Green Power Denmarkolder evidence, from 2022
South Korea
Based on 10 published statements from Korea Institute of Energy Technology Evaluation and Planning (KETEP).
One source only — Korea Institute of Energy Technology Evaluation and Planning (KETEP)
South Korea, energy transmission and storage, 2025–2034: projected new supply of energy technical workers against new demand — junior college graduates in surplus by 572, university graduates short by 3,773, graduate school graduates short by 2,100
Korea Institute of Energy Technology Evaluation and Planning (KETEP)South Korea, fossil fuels, 2025–2034: projected new supply of energy technical workers against new demand — junior college graduates in surplus by 230, university graduates in surplus by 256, graduate school graduates in surplus by 1
Korea Institute of Energy Technology Evaluation and Planning (KETEP)South Korea, new and renewable energy, 2025–2034: projected new supply of energy technical workers against new demand — junior college graduates short by 483, university graduates short by 362, graduate school graduates short by 895
Korea Institute of Energy Technology Evaluation and Planning (KETEP)South Korea, energy efficiency, 2025–2034: projected new supply of energy technical workers against new demand — junior college graduates short by 2,498, university graduates short by 7,573, graduate school graduates short by 1,917
Korea Institute of Energy Technology Evaluation and Planning (KETEP)South Korea, nuclear power, 2025–2034: projected new supply of energy technical workers against new demand — junior college graduates short by 217, university graduates short by 3,669, graduate school graduates short by 624
Korea Institute of Energy Technology Evaluation and Planning (KETEP)South Korea, 2024 to 2034: energy technical workers with junior college education grow from 156,236 to 191,771, university from 246,461 to 298,880, and graduate school from 37,155 to 43,881
Korea Institute of Energy Technology Evaluation and Planning (KETEP)
What the evidence might mean
Hypothesis
Labour markets show structural divergence between conventional fossil-fuel disciplines and grid or clean energy sectors, with fossil fuel roles experiencing balanced staffing or labour surpluses while transition-related domains face acute supply deficits.
This is our reading of the evidence below.
Evidence behind it
- Australia (Jobs and Skills Australia): Gas or Petroleum Production Technician in Australia: No Shortage (2025 Occupation Shortage List, all industries)
- South Korea (Korea Institute of Energy Technology Evaluation and Planning (KETEP)): South Korea, fossil fuels, 2025–2034: projected new supply of energy technical workers against new demand — junior college graduates in surplus by 230, university graduates in surplus by 256, graduate school graduates in surplus by 1
Supporting evidence from South Korea (Korea Institute of Energy Technology Evaluation and Planning (KETEP)): South Korea, energy transmission and storage, 2025–2034: projected new supply of energy technical workers against new demand — junior college graduates in surplus by 572, university graduates short by 3,773, graduate school graduates short by 2,100
Hypothesis
Targeted wage subsidies and structured apprenticeship incentives substantially expand intake into electrical and trade training beyond baseline economic recruitment levels.
This is our reading of the evidence below.
Evidence behind it
- Australia (Powering Skills Organisation): Boosting Apprenticeship Commencements (BAC) provided a 50 per cent wage subsidy for the first 12 months of an apprenticeship, followed by tapered support in subsequent years (10 per cent in year two and five per cent in year three)
- Australia (Powering Skills Organisation): Boosting Apprenticeship Commencements (BAC) increased apprenticeship commencements by around 70 per cent above the level expected in the absence of the program, with strong effects in trade occupations including electrical trades
Supporting evidence from Australia (Powering Skills Organisation): Electrical apprentice commencements strongly correlated to economic cycles; one per cent reduction in unemployment correlates with approximately 15 per cent increase in Electrician apprenticeship commencements
Sources: training and workforce bodies' own published reports. Each statement shown is named with the body that published it; statement counts include every admitted body. The global picture and the global lens come from international bodies and researchers, each named beside its figure; they are not counted as training bodies.
Hiring now, rather than planning the pipeline? See demand and pay for AI and digital roles, or paste a job description for a hiring-feasibility brief.
Checking what a role legally requires? See the energy credentials reference: BOSIET, GWO, HUET, CompEx and more — where the law requires each one, and how long it stays valid.