This project is informed by four key drivers. First, that the transition to net zero will transform the economy and society, particularly for those working in declining oil and gas sectors and entering renewable and digital energy workforces. Second, that there is a lack of critical insight into the skill constitution of the new workforce. Third, that the policy support to enable the required skills transformation can be refined, and fourth, that already excluded or marginalised workforce demographics, including women and those from ethnic minorities, require targeted support. Drawing from an interdisciplinary approach, this PhD will provide a comprehensive and inclusive view of the skills impact of the energy transition in Scotland, including the potential realignment of investment in education, training, and work-related learning (WRL).

With a particular focus on the energy sector, this PhD asks the following primary research question: what is impact of a transition away from O&G towards renewables for future skills in Scotland and how can upskilling, reskilling and engaging new entrants enable a Just Transition? In particular it aims to:

To understand the Scottish context in relation to international and UK energy WRL literature.

Ascertain how prepared the Scottish energy sectors is for these labour market transformations.

Identify what barriers these sectors face in making these transitions.

Identify how investment in education, training and WRL can be realigned to support these transitions.

Identify how the skills base has changed due to these transformations and how is it likely to change in the future.

Access the impact of these transformations on education, training and skills delivery.

Investigate equality, diversity and inclusion barriers and opportunities and develop targeted recommendations for improvement in this area in particular.

This co-created PhD will take a mixed methods approach combining primary and secondary research as well as quantitative and qualitative approaches. Methods include the desk-based analysis of secondary data, basic spatial mapping and semi-structured interviews.