3t Energy Group (3t) has been selected to develop an Energy Skills Passport with OPITO as part of a competitive tender process. A first-in-industry digital solution to help workers identify gaps and gain the training, skills and certifications they need to work flexibly across the offshore energy sector. OPITO was awarded £5 million from The Scottish Government’s Just Transition Fund to deliver the Energy Skills Passport in collaboration with partners.
The contract for the development of the Energy Skills Passport which will transform how offshore energy workers transition between sectors has been awarded to 3t Transform, an industry-leading learning technology business part of 3t Energy Group.
With the strong leadership, support and commitment of a cross-industry working group, and made possible by the recent £5 million award from the Scottish Government’s flagship Just Transition Fund, the Energy Skills Passport is expected to be deployed in 2023.
OPITO, on behalf of the UK oil and gas sector and with the support of the Energy Skills Alliance, published the Integrated People and Skills Strategy (PSS) in May 2022, highlighting the benefits of a just and managed energy transition for the energy workforce, industry, governments and communities.
The Energy Skills Passport was a commitment within the first of five action plans, Aligning Offshore Energy Standards, to create an aligned training and standards framework across oil and gas, offshore wind, hydrogen, and carbon capture, utilisation and storage – a priority for the workforce, trade unions and companies alike.
The competitive vendor procurement process was led by EY as part of their ongoing role scoping, developing and engaging with the industry on the PSS. The process assessed both technical and commercial aspects and was scored by The Engineering Construction Industry Training Board (ECITB), the International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA), OEUK and OPITO. EY will continue to programme manage the Energy Skills Passport to deliver of the solution in Q3 2023.
The process has been supported with insight and guidance from Energy Skills Alliance members and the Energy Skills Passport Steering Group, which includes trade unions, and skills and membership bodies including; ECITB, IMCA, Cogent, Global Wind Organisation, OEUK and RenewableUK. Industry is represented by a cross-section of organisations, namely; Aker Solutions, BP, CNOOC, Equinor, Ithaca Energy, Shell, Total Energies, Wood, and Worley.
John McDonald, CEO of OPITO and Energy Skills Alliance Chair, said: “We estimate that 90% of the UK’s oil and gas workforce have skills transferable to adjacent energy sectors, and therefore, there is a tangible opportunity to create new jobs which can meet our national demand for safe, affordable and reliable energy both now, and in the years to come.
“This is a major milestone for the industry as we move one step closer to delivering the Energy Skills Passport, an innovative digital solution to create pathways for workers to pursue flexible careers across the offshore energy industry.”
Kevin Franklin, CEO at 3t Energy Group, said: “We’re delighted to be the chosen partner to deliver this first-in-industry digital solution. This project directly supports the energy transition by identifying gaps, upskilling, and reskilling workforces across the offshore energy sector.
“This partnership highlights our commitment to the wider energy sector with training and development recognised as being key to ensuring we have a world-class UK energy workforce of the future, which we’re proud to be taking a leading role in across our businesses at 3t Energy Group.”
Keith Farquharson, Director at EY, said: “EY is delighted to continue to support OPITO and work closely with 3t Energy Group in the development and implementation of the Energy Skills Passport. Supporting the offshore energy industry in enabling the transition of workers to pursue careers and creating the much needed flexible workforce is a privilege and is an integral part of our purpose to Build a Better Working World.”