At Hydrogen Safe’s second roundtable event, participants engaged in meaningful discussions about integrating hydrogen skills into the workforce and the broader implications for the UK’s net-zero transition. Key themes included strategic leadership, with attendees emphasising the importance of executive support in understanding net-zero objectives. The group also addressed accountability, highlighting the need for businesses to effectively embed hydrogen skills across their operations. Lastly, discussions on sustainability revealed the challenges some organisations face in transitioning, along with a strong call for updated targets and strategies to futureproof businesses for the net-zero economy.
The roundtable explored various avenues for enhancing the hydrogen skills economy, including establishing a comprehensive skills strategy that maps occupational profiles and how they are changing and one that aligns educational programmes with industry needs. Participants suggested leveraging successful case studies from other businesses to foster a better understanding of future skills requirements. Moreover, public awareness initiatives were discussed as a means to engage communities and support the transition to hydrogen technologies.
As we move forward, the insights gathered will inform the development of a regional hydrogen skills framework tailored to Greater Manchester, ensuring alignment with national ambitions while addressing local needs. By fostering collaboration among industry stakeholders, educational institutions, and government entities, we aim to create a skilled workforce prepared to tackle the challenges and opportunities within the hydrogen economy.