This consultation reviews the skills needed to decarbonise three key sectors – Power, Transport and Construction/Built Environment – that face specific skills needs. Beyond these sectors, the document sets out an approach to stimulating the skills solutions that are needed to decarbonise the entire manufacturing and process industry supply chains and make the most efficient use of resources in the UK. It also lays out the opportunities for growth and carbon savings in the food and advanced manufacturing sectors and the skills needed there. A wide range of cross-cutting skills will be needed, many of which will combine traditional professional disciplines with emerging industrial applications, such as composites.

The document identifies five key challenges for employers, the skills system and Government:
• Delivering significantly higher volumes of generic Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) skills at all levels;
• Developing and delivering rapidly the specialist skills solutions that will be needed for emerging sectors and technologies;
• Getting more young people and adults interested in low carbon careers, skills and qualifications;
• Stimulating employer demand for and investment in low carbon skills;
• Replicating good practice rapidly in each of the above, within and between emerging sectors.

The document highlights as case studies the range of innovative measures which have already brought together employers, sector skills councils and the wider skills system to articulate low carbon skills needs and develop prototype skills solutions.