Your Ultimate Guide to a Career in Energy and Sustainability

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.

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Energy & Sustainability Apprenticeships

The basics

In today’s world, there’s a big focus on taking care of the environment and using energy wisely.

This has led to a lot of job opportunities in the energy and sustainability sector for people who want to make a positive difference.

Jobs in this sector cover a wide range of areas, from finding new ways to make energy from sources like the sun and wind to helping companies and cities use less energy and produce less waste.

There are many different types of jobs available, including engineers, scientists, planners, and managers. These jobs are important because they help make our world cleaner and healthier for everyone.

As more and more people realise the importance of taking care of the planet, the need for these jobs continues to grow. So if you’re interested in making a difference while also having a rewarding career, the energy and sustainability sector might be a great fit for you!

Types of Energy & Sustainability Apprenticeships

Renewable Heating Engineer Apprenticeship

Not afraid to get stuck in? You can pursue careers like farm manager and herd manager.

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 apprenticeship

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.

Sustainability Apprenticeship

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.

Geotechnical Apprenticeship

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.

Alternatively, hydrographic surveyors 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.

  

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.