A new initiative is set to bridge the gap between former armed forces members and the burgeoning clean energy sector, with a focus on regions ripe for renewable development. The Mission Renewable Armed Forces Clean Energy Initiative, launching later this year, aims to steer veterans and their families into careers in offshore wind, solar, and nuclear industries across the Humber, Lincolnshire, and East Anglia.
Run by the armed forces charity Mission Community, with backing from RenewableUK and the Government, this one-year pilot will identify specific roles suited to service leavers and dismantle barriers hindering their entry into the sector. Jane Cooper, Deputy Chief Executive of RenewableUK and co-chair of the project, hailed it as a “tangible example of the Clean Energy Jobs Plan in action.” The pilot’s outcomes will inform future policy on employing veterans in the energy transition.
The initiative aligns with the Government’s Clean Energy Jobs Plan, which targets over 400,000 jobs by 2030. By focusing on regions already hosting major renewable projects, the initiative leverages local expertise and supply chains. Cooper emphasized the industry’s need for skilled personnel to design, build, and operate green energy projects, asserting that former armed forces members are well-positioned to fill these roles. Their teamwork, discipline, and technical prowess make them strong candidates, she argued.
Mission Renewable has previously collaborated nationally with RenewableUK and the Offshore Wind Industry Council to facilitate veterans’ transition into renewables, with 10% to 20% of the sector’s workforce already having a service background. This new regional focus marks a first, encouraging energy companies to sign the Armed Forces Covenant, committing to support veterans and those injured in active duty as they transition to civilian life.
Lieutenant General Richard Nugee, chairman of Mission Community, underscored the mutual benefits. “Companies gain skilled, committed staff. Veterans and their families gain stability and pride. The country gains from their continued service in building the clean energy future we all need.”
This initiative could reshape the energy sector’s approach to recruitment and diversity, demonstrating how targeted programs can unlock untapped talent pools. By fostering a symbiotic relationship between veterans and the clean energy industry, the Mission Renewable initiative might set a precedent for other sectors seeking to integrate former service members into their workforce. Moreover, it could accelerate the energy transition by tapping into a pool of individuals equipped with the skills and mindset to drive large-scale, complex projects forward.