Some renewable energy ideas are straight out of a science fiction book: solar power from space? Energy-absorbing algae? Harvesting heat from brain matter?
Maybe those solutions are too crazy right now, but the energy and sustainability industry works hard to make innovative ideas a reality. Here’s how you can get involved with a high-quality apprenticeship.
Jobs in Energy and Sustainability
Renewable Heating Engineer
Renewable heating helps your house emit less carbon dioxide emissions. You can install things like heat pumps (which capture heat from the outdoors and move it into your home) and solar water heating (using sunlight to heat your home). A renewable heating engineer is the person who installs and designs these systems.
Solar Engineer
You’ve probably seen solar panels on top of your neighbours’ houses – they’re an increasingly popular and sustainable way to power your home while reducing the use of non-renewable resources. A solar engineer designs and builds solar panels and other electrical components to ensure the product maximises the energy from the sunlight.
Geoscientist
A geoscientist’s job is to look below the earth – sometimes way, way below. You’ll collect geological data about the subsurface of the earth to figure out how it’s changing and how to preserve the natural resources.
Hydrographic Surveyor
Fancy job title, right? A hydrographic surveyor maps underwater surfaces (like the sea bed) and monitors water quality to check it’s safe for rigs and other offshore infrastructure to be built without disturbing the wildlife.
Sustainability Advisor/Manager
As a sustainability advisor/manager, you could work freelance or full-time to be the sounding voice on all things sustainability. You’ll advise companies on topics like waste management, renewable resources and energy usage to improve efficiency and reach zero-carbon goals.
Apprenticeships in Energy and Sustainability
EDF Energy
Energy giant EDF has loads of courses for anyone interested in energy and renewables. The best apprenticeship choices include Level 3 Project Controls, Level 3 Health, Safety and Environment and Level 2 Radiation Protection.
SSE Renewables
Get a head start in the energy industry with a four-year Site Construction Management Apprenticeship at SSE Renewables. In the end, you’ll earn a full BSc (Hons) degree in Construction and the Built Environment!
RWE
With one of RWE’s Onshore Wind Turbine Technician or Engineering Technician Apprenticeships under your belt, you’ll be well-equipped to enter the real world of work with critical skills and experience. The salary is on a sliding scale, so you’ll earn more as you get better in the role.
Vital Energi
During the three-year Engineering Craftsperson Apprenticeship at Vital Energi, you’ll learn everything there is to know about pipework, welding, electro fusion techniques and more. Vital Energy has recently opened a brand new £2 million Training Academy, so you know you’ll receive an excellent standard of teaching.
Scottish Power
Scottish Power has loads of top-tier apprenticeships that give you the opportunity to be part of ground-breaking projects. For example, you can choose from the Power Engineering, Project Management and Operation & Maintenance Apprenticeships.
gov.uk
Check out the Sustainability Business Specialist Apprenticeship on the gov.uk website to learn how to help businesses manage waste and resources in an environmentally friendly way. As this is a Level 7 programme, you’ll earn a qualification that’s equivalent to a master’s degree at the end.
NHS
We bet you didn’t expect to see the NHS on this list. In fact, the NHS has some exciting apprenticeships in the sustainability industry, including the Level 4 Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability programme that lasts for 24-30 months. There’s a clear career path after the apprenticeship too, which is great motivation to get your studying done.
Entry Requirements
Entry requirements vary depending on the level of apprenticeship. Generally, you’ll need five GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including Science, Maths and English.
Apprenticeships in the energy and sustainability industry require lots of on-site work, and you might need to travel between sites. For this reason, you may need a full (and clean) UK Driver’s License. If you’re not at this stage yet, proof that you’re learning to drive will be okay for now.
Due to the frequent travel and the need to be on-site, you might need to relocate in order to complete an apprenticeship. Thankfully, you can earn over £23,000 while you study, and there are no course fees with an apprenticeship, which will help you save up quickly and gain a financial foothold.
Extra Tips
Renewable energy is part of a much wider conversation about sustainability. It’s important to show potential employers why you want to be part of such an innovative and fast-moving industry, beyond the fact that it’s well-paid with good job stability.
To prepare for your interview, try jotting down honest answers to these questions:
- Why am you passionate about the environment we live in?
- What is the positive impact of sustainability initiatives on our world?
- What little things do you do to help the environment?
- What are the most exciting new technologies or projects in the energy and sustainability industry?
- What do you think the world’s future of energy looks like in the next ten years?
Play your Part in a Sustainable Future
Still considering going to university? Why not pursue a degree apprenticeship and gain a full university degree without the hefty fees?Alternatively, check out similar apprenticeships in engineering and opportunities at world-leading companies like BAE Systems.
