Press Releases
Press Release
20th June 2022
Veterans’ Green Energy Forum to Launch Inaugural Conference
Leading names from the offshore wind and defence sectors are coming together to launch a brand-new forum which will help create job opportunities for veterans across the industry and become the go-to portal for ex-military personnel.
The inaugural Veterans’ Green Energy Forum will take place at Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU) on Thursday 15th September 2022. The purpose of the forum is to explore the challenges facing veterans who want to enter the industry; and develop strategies to make the sector more accessible.
The forum has been launched by leading communications agency, Artemis Media Profile in conjunction with Complete Training Solutions, LJMU, the Ministry of Defence, RenewableUK, Cammell Laird, The Standing Tall Foundation and Veterans UK.
Commodore Phil Waterhouse, Naval Commander Northern England, will speak at the event and will be joined by David McGinley, CEO Cammell Laird Shiprepairers and Shipbuilders Ltd, Atlantic and Peninsula Marine Services, Daniel McGrail, CEO RenewableUK, the Mayor of Liverpool, Roy Gladden, Helen Thomas, RWE and Mark Knowles, Head of Energy and Industry, Liverpool City Region Combined Authority.
Commodore Phil Waterhouse, Naval Commander Northern England said, “Armed Forces leavers are key to the future success of the offshore wind industry. Their skills, abilities and personal traits have been identified as ideal to meet the needs of the offshore wind sector.
“However, many veterans report that they face barriers when trying to access jobs within the industry. The Veterans’ Green Energy Forum will bring some of the leading figures of the offshore wind sector, who together, can work to break down these barriers and create a smooth transition into the industry for our veterans.”
Daniel McGrail, CEO RenewableUK said: “We know that there needs to be a massive increase in offshore wind capacity, if the UK is to meet its clean energy targets.
“Around 14,000 people leave the armed forces every year and it is a well-known fact that ex-military personnel have the relevant skills for the offshore wind sector. Events such as the Veterans’ Green Energy Forum will ensure we can make the offshore wind sectors as accessible as possible for veterans whilst also working with key stakeholders to shape policy and develop effective strategies around training requirements.”
David McGinley, CEO Cammell Laird Ship repairers and Shipbuilders Ltd, Atlantic and Peninsula Marine Services said: “As a committed employer of former military personnel and as a veteran myself, I fully understand the importance of supporting veterans in securing meaningful career opportunities when they leave service.
“Cammell Laird and A&P Group are welcome employers to ex-service men and women and are proud to help them develop civilian careers – one in which they can use the vital skills they have developed whilst serving in the armed forces.
“The Veterans’ Green Energy Forum is an important initiative, which will ensure more veterans can access the support they need as they transition to civilian life.”
Dr Musa Bashir, from the School of Engineering, LJMU’s Faculty of Engineering and Technology, said “LJMU’s Liverpool Logistics, Offshore and Marine (LOOM) and Built Environment and Sustainable Technologies (BEST) Research Institutes are leading the way in establishing how the UK can optimise the effectiveness of our offshore wind turbines. Programmes such as LCR Future Energy have also supported SME’s in understanding the needs of the renewable energy supply chain.
“As a proud signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant, we are committed to doing all we can to support the armed forces and veterans through our civic engagement work and research and knowledge exchange.”
“The Veterans’ Green Energy Forum will provide an excellent platform for attendees to make a difference to the number of veterans who can attain a career in offshore wind and will help the UK achieve its Net Zero ambitions. We look forward to welcoming all delegates to LJMU.”
Ian Green, Managing Director of Complete Training Solutions said: “The skills ex-military personnel possess are vital to the offshore wind sector and we are actively making the sector more accessible through a number of Global Wind Organisation (GWO) training courses. I look forward to joining forces with all members of the offshore wind supply chain to address the challenges which exist in the industry.”
The Veterans’ Green Energy Forum has been founded by Emma Parker-Goff, Managing Director of Artemis Media Profile, who said, “The Government’s target of trebling the UK offshore wind workforce needs to be achieved if we are to reach its Net Zero targets.
“However, we know that veterans struggle to find clear pathways into the sector and face challenges in funding their initial training. By bringing together key stakeholders from the offshore wind community and organisations which support ex-forces in their transition to civilian life, the Veterans’ Green Energy Forum will develop strategies which stimulate employment opportunities and benefit veterans and the offshore wind sector as a whole.”
For further information, please contact Emma Parker-Goff at emma@artemismediaprofile.co.uk
To purchase tickets for this event, please follow this link.
For information regarding sponsorship opportunities, please email rebecca@artemismediaprofile.co.uk