According to new figures from the Renewable Energy Association (REA), there has been an eight per cent increase in the number of people working in the renewables sector – from 102,987 to 112,055. This compares to an overall rise in UK employment of just one per cent.

Managing partner of renewables recruitment specialist Hyperion Executive Search, David Hunt (pictured right), said: 'These figures back up what we are seeing as a specialist in renewables recruitment. Companies are posting more job opportunities which is not only creating opportunities for those in the industry, but also for those with transferable skills interested in moving across to the sector.'

In addition to his role at Hyperion, Mr Hunt was also recently elected chair of the REA’s on-site renewables group and is a member of the Employment and Skills Board for Liverpool City Region Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP). He is among a group of key figures campaigning to plug the UK’s skills gap in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) by highlighting the career opportunities available within renewables.

He said: 'We hope that the new Conservative Government recognises the role it can play by getting behind the renewables industry and helping it to move forward with confidence. With an election largely won on economic growth and job creation, it is essential they see that as a sector we lead the way in both areas and provide much needed certainty and support.'