Section 4 - A Just Transition
Key Actions and Recommendations
4.1 Identify all those current trades and work practices which are related or dependent upon the use of fossil fuels where future job prospects may be at risk as a consequence of the transition.
4.2 Establish training programmes that can reskill the existing workforce with green skills so that they are able to adapt to the low carbon / net zero alternatives.
4.3 Support the development of social enterprises which promote zero carbon initiatives which benefit low income and vulnerable households and communities whilst providing accessible entry level practical work experience and training for the development of green skills and practical work experience.
When the coalfields were closed in response to the use of natural gas as a cleaner fuel source for electricity generation and heating homes thousands of people working within the mining industry lost their jobs and no transition of skills was identified for the workforce with significant socio-economic impacts upon the worst affected communities. There is a need to ensure that as we phase out the use of fossil fuels that people currently working within those industries are not adversely affected by the transition and that alternative transferable skills are identified and new skills provided to benefit from the newly emerging low/zero carbon alternatives as they come on stream.
Coventry’s Independent Climate Change Board commissioned a Mapping a Just Transition Report for the City and more recently the Board’s 25 member organisations signed up to eight key principles for ensuring a just transition. Of particular note is the following principle...
“Workers in the City will be supported in training/re-training for a greener future and the unemployed will be trained and supported to seize the job opportunities created by the newly emerging green technologies”
Other professions and trades are facing change as we move from fossil fuel (e.g. petrol, diesel, and natural gas) dependent technologies to Hydrogen and green electricity. For example, mechanics servicing internal combustion engine vehicles will be moving to electric motors powered by rechargeable batteries or hydrogen fuelled engines. Heating engineers will be moving from gas fuelled boilers to electrical heat exchange systems etc.
The age demographic of motor mechanics is getting older as younger people are not attracted to the profession a problem which is likely to be exacerbated when there is a shift to Electric Vehicles. The Social Market Foundation (2022) report that a number of the older generation motor mechanics for example will retire leaving a younger workforce with fewer mentors with an ability and experience in the maintenance of electric vehicles managing a business and quality service for clients.
The Government recognises the need to promote careers in motor vehicle maintenance as we are witnessing a growing skills shortage. National Grid refers to the loss of existing talent due to a baby boomer retirement crunch.