As of 2050, oil and gas will no longer be retrieved from the North Sea. Port Esbjerg, with its 10.000 workers is therefore initiating a gradual transition from oil and gas, to the development and production of green energy and jobs through offshore wind.
In taking advantage of the possibilities inherent in the green transition, it is especially important that education and training systems, including further education programmes are able to react quickly to match the skills that are demanded by the labour market
Throughout the transition, job functions will undoubtedly disappear, and workers will be met with challenges as new skills requirements are introduced. For this reason, Port Esbjerg, in cooperation with the United Federation of Workers in Denmark is introducing a “Offshore Academy”.
“In taking advantage of the possibilities inherent in the green transition, it is especially important that education and training systems, including further education programmes are able to react quickly to match the skills that are demanded by the labour market.” Bente Sorgenfrey, Vice-President
Unskilled workers from the non-renewable energy sector hold highly specialized competences that will be important resources when oil and gas extraction is phased out. Through educational programs, these workers can actively engage and acquire formal competence clarifications for a greener and more secure future on the labour market.
“Port Esbjerg shows how further education can bring the workers a fairer position in the labour market in the years to come. Only through social dialogue, and investing in and promoting further education, can we secure a just transition for all.” Bente Sorgenfrey, Vice-President
