Government vows to create 400,000 jobs in clean energy sector

The government has announced plans to train and recruit more workers for the UK’s clean energy sector, promising to create 400,000 extra jobs by 2030.

Plumbers, electricians and welders are among 31 priority occupations that are “particularly in demand”, with employment in renewable, wind, solar and nuclear expected to double to 860,000 in five years, ministers have said.

Speaking on the BBC’s Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg programme, Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said thousands of jobs were needed to develop Britain’s clean energy sector to “get bills down for good”.

Welcoming the proposals, Unite the union said: “Well-paid, secure work must be at the heart of any green transition.”

As part of the government’s strategy, five “technical excellence colleges” will be set up to train workers with clean…