Background
The Green Energy Forum is a brand-new networking group which was established by Artemis to bring together members of the renewable energy supply chain to tackle issues of employment inequality across the sector.
The Government‘s ambition of achieving its Net Zero target by 2050 is reliant on the sector trebling the number of jobs in the offshore and onshore wind communities within the next seven years.
Artemis will host a range of events across the UK to create job opportunities with the renewable sector and become the go-to portal for our ex-military personnel and other groups who want to establish careers in the green energy sector.
Challenges
Former armed forces personnel have been identified as key to the success of the sector, with veterans having the transferable skills, abilities, and personal qualities which meet the requirements of both the offshore and onshore wind sectors.
However, despite the sector recognising the great value veterans can bring - current recruitment figures remain disappointing.
Artemis created The Green Energy Forum to explore these challenges facing veterans who want to enter the industry; and develop strategies to make the sector more accessible.
Outcome
The inaugural Veterans’ Green Energy Forum took place at Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU) on Thursday 23rd February 2023.
Delegates attended from the armed forces, Westminster, developers and the wider offshore wind supply chain as well as associated training partners to discuss employment and development opportunities.
By working together, the Veterans’ Green Energy forum seeks to create opportunities for veterans and help the UK achieve its Net Zero target.
Artemis was delighted to welcome Mark Blundell Lord Lieutenant of Merseyside and Commodore Phil Waterhouse, Naval Commander Northern England, to open the inaugural event, and hear from key note speakers including:
- Andrew Elmes, Head of Business Development, Siemens Gamesa
- Helen Thomas, Senior Supply Chain Manager, Offshore Energy Alliance / RWE
- Drystan Jones and Tom Forster, A&P Group and Cammell Laird
- Martin Land, Project Director Mersey Tidal, Liverpool City Region
- Musa Bashir, Lecturer in Marine & Offshore Engineering Liverpool John Moores University
- Danielle Kershaw, Head of Renewables, Complete Training Solutions
The event also welcomed a panel of service leavers from across a wide range of different areas of the Armed Forces. This gave an opportunity to hear first hand their experiences transitioning into civilian life, and the challenges they faced when entering the offshore wind sector.
VGEF Conference Brochure Download
