Lancashire is set to share in a promised boost in high-paid jobs driven by growth in the clean energy sector.

The government says an extra 55,000 roles will come to the North West as a whole by 2030 - with occupations including engineers, plumbers and electricians amongst the dozens of roles that will be in particular demand.

It is part of the first nationwide plan to train up the next generation of clean energy workers, which ministers say will encourage industry, the public sector and education providers to work together to deliver the skilled workforce needed - amounting to 400,000 new positions.

A raft of clean energy jobs are being promised to places like Lancashire | Pixabay

placeholder image — A raft of clean energy jobs are being promised to places like Lancashire | Pixabay

Entry-level positions in the majority of occupations in clean energy pay 23 percent more than the same jobs in other sectors, the government says.

Jobs in wind, nuclear and electricity networks all advertise average salaries of over £50,000, compared to the UK average of £37,000 - and are spread across coastal and post-industrial communities.

Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said: “Communities have long been calling out for a new generation of good industrial jobs. The clean energy jobs boom can answer that call .

“Our plans will help create an economy in which there is no need to leave your hometown just to find a decent job. Thanks to this government’s commitment to clean energy, a generation of young people in our industrial heartlands can have well-paid secure jobs, from plumbers to electricians and welders.

“This is a pro-worker, pro-jobs, pro-union agenda that will deliver the national renewal our country needs.”