Companies including National Grid, British Gas, Eon UK, Thames Water and United Utilities will between them invest £82.5 million and government £33 million to create 70,000 training opportunities.
Energy and Utility Skills estimates half of current employees will leave the power, gas, water and waste management industries by 2023 and 200,000 recruits will be needed.
Steve Holliday, chief executive of National Grid, said: “This investment shows major Government recognition of the challenges facing the UK’s energy and utilities sectors, and the vital role young people and local communities can play in solving them. The strength and scale of this partnership means it will build consensus within these industries on how to meet the demand for new, innovative power and energy solutions, and build a more secure, sustainable economy for the future.”
The energy and efficiency industrial partnership will fund and promote a range of apprenticeships, training courses and youth engagement programmes.
South West Water is backing the development of a technical college inSouth Devon, which will specialise in engineering, water and environment courses for 14 to 18 year-olds.
Chief executive Chris Loughlin said: “Harnessing the energy and developing the talents of young people today is crucial for business success tomorrow. We fully support this new national partnership which will help to plug the skills gap and provide a steady supply of trained talent for employers.”