THE delayed Energy Skills Passport pilot, aimed at supporting oil and gas workers move into new low-carbon jobs, finally launched today.

The pilot, led by trade associations Renewable UK and Offshore Energies UK and backed by Westminster and Scottish governments, was originally due to begin by the first quarter of 2023, but it has been beset by hold-ups. 

More than £5 million has been ploughed into the project from the Scottish government’s Just Transition Fund.

After concerted efforts by trade unions in the sector and a further £3.7m in Scottish government funding, the scheme to ensure offshore workers better understand the qualifications needed to get on the path to jobs now being created in the offshore wind sector is now under way.

The Offshore Co-ordinating Group of trade unions welcomed the news and trade unions’ place on the pilot’s steering group. 

But chairman John Boland warned that “on its own, the skills passport is not going to achieve a just transition for offshore oil and gas workers,” adding: “Urgent action is needed to protect offshore workers and supply chain jobs currently at risk from decommissioning.”

RMT general secretary Mick Lynch said: “It is positive that offshore workers now have some guidance on pathways into the offshore wind sector.

“However, our members have concerns over pay disparities and the duplication of qualifications, particularly in the drilling sector.  
 
“We are pleased to join the steering group tasked with developing and expanding the skills passport for offshore workers, including seafarers in the energy supply chain.”

Mr Lynch pledged that RMT would “work with the UK, Scottish, and Welsh governments on the next steps for a just transition.

“And the union will be pursuing collectively bargained terms and conditions across the entire offshore sector as a top priority,” he added.

STUC general secretary Roz Foyer said: “This is a belated but ultimately welcome announcement from the UK and Scottish government on the introduction of a skills passport.

“But this cannot be the end if we are to realise a just transition.

“We need sustained investment from both governments to protect and enhance workers’ incomes, health and safety and workplace rights.

“It is imperative that government listens to our voices, with unions around the table at every turn, ensuring workers and their communities are not scarred by the failed transitions of the past but instead are involved in creating clear and funded plans for their future.”