energy sector, promising to create 400,000 extra jobs by 2030. Plumbers, electricians and welders are among 31 priority occupations that are "particularly in demand", with employment in renewable, wind, solar and nuclear expected to double to 860,000 in five years, ministers have said. Speaking on the BBC's Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg programme, Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said thousands of jobs were needed to develop Britain's clean energy sector to "get bills down for good". Welcoming the proposals, Unite the union said: "Well-paid, secure work must be at the heart of any green transition." As part of the government's strategy, five "technical excellence colleges" will be set up to train workers with clean energy skills, with £2.5m in funding going towards pilot schemes in Cheshire, Lincolnshire, and Pembrokeshire, according to the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ). A new programme is to be launched to match veterans with careers in solar panel installation, wind turbine factories and nuclear power stations, while oil and gas workers could benefit from up to £20m from the UK and Scottish governments for bespoke careers training in clean energy roles. (BBC)