Keynote Address - The Government's Message

The energy sector faces major challenges over the coming decades. Huge investments in new generation, network replacement and network enhancement are required, just at a time when approximately 40% of people with the necessary skills approach retirement. Attracting new entrants, education, training and retraining them has proven challenging in recent years. The potential lack of future skills therefore poses a significant threat to the security of supply and the ability to deliver the desired outcome of reducing CO2 emissions.

Last year, gordon Brown appointed David to his new Government as the Minister for Skills in the new Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills. David has responsibility for the Commission for Employment and Skills, Leitch implementation, Train to Gain, Skills academies, Skills for Life, and apprenticeships.