POWER up your job prospects – by jumping on the eco-energy bandwagon.

The Government estimates that 400,000 new jobs will be created in the sector by the year 2030.

Apprentice Andy Pearson at Octopus Energy Credit: Supplied

Gracie Reed is specialising in low-carbon energy Credit: Supplied

With the latest inflation figures up, on the back of increased gas prices — solar, wind and hydro-electric power, as well as low-carbon energy sources such as nuclear power and heat pumps, are all key.

Net Zero is again a buzz phrase on the lips of politicians.

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The renewable energy industry offers roles for everyone from school leavers and apprentices to career changers and senior managers.

Engineers, fitters and customer service assistants are just some of the army of workers needed to shape the sector’s future and help save the planet from climate change.

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Martin McCluskey, Minister for Local Energy And Jobs, said: “Jobs in clean energy are growing fast — including roles that AI simply can’t do.

“For years, young people were told that desk jobs were the future, but learning practical skills has never been more important.”

One of the biggest players in the field is Octopus Energy, which currently has 63 entry-level roles.

Marketing chief Rebecca Dibb-Simkin said: “The green economy is growing rapidly at a time when young people are struggling to get a foot in the door.

“We’re creating routes into green careers for people from all sorts of backgrounds.”

Gracie Reed, 21, from Bristol, and Andy Pearson, 36, of Reading, have each joined the firm as technician apprentices in low-carbon heating.

Gracie said: “There are no specific qualifications for this job ­— it’s just about willingness to learn and the ability to work well in a team.

“This is a way to get into the plumbing and heating industry while specialising in low-carbon energy — for which the demand is only getting higher.”

Andy said: “Before working here, I was a draughtsman looking for a career change. The low-carbon industry is ever-growing, ever-changing and still quite new, so should be around for a long time.”

You can apply now at octopus.energy/careers.

Meanwhile, the construction of Suffolk’s Sizewell C nuclear power plant is set to create 17,000 jobs ahead of opening in the 2030s.

Hinkley Point C in Somerset, also under construction and likely to be up and running around 2030, is forecast to provide 25,000 construction jobs and 900 operational roles.

Nearly 40,000 people are now employed in the UK wind industry, up from 32,000 in 2023.

North Sea wind farm Hornsea 3, due for completion next year, is expected to generate up to 5,000 construction jobs and 1,200 operational ones.

The planned Green Volt floating offshore wind project in Scotland, which is expected to be operational by 2029, will support 2,800 jobs during construction.  

And in more good news, the planned solar project at  Tillbridge, Lincs, set to complete next year, is likely to provide 1,250 jobs.

And the National Grid has announced a £5million fund to support 5,000 young people from across the UK who are not in education, employment or training to get the skills they need to start careers in clean energy.

TIPS FOR JOINING BRAVE NEW WORLD

KNOW YOUR ROUTE IN: There are multiple ways into the industry. See occupational-maps.skillsengland. education.gov.uk/green-themes for the jobs you are interested in, or speak to the National Careers Service for tailored advice.
TAKE A COLLEGE COURSE: Next month sees the opening of five clean-energy Technical Excellence Colleges, at Colchester Institute, South Bank Colleges, The City of Liverpool College, The Education Training Collective, and University Centre Somerset College Group.
UPSKILL: Current and former North Sea oil and gas workers living in Scotland can apply for tailored support to move into clean energy. See transitiontrainingfund.scot.
LISTEN TO LEARN: Tune in to a webinar at destinationenergy.co.uk.
FIND AN APPRENTICESHIP: Apprenticeships provide full and specialised training with a wage. Search for suitable opportunities at gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship.

WAYS TO BEST SELL YOUR SET OF SKILLS

Adam Stamm reveals his tips for skills-flipping Credit: Supplied

“SKILL MAXING” is trending on social media – but one expert claims rather than learn new tricks, job candidates should focus on reframing what they already do.

It is known as skills-flipping.

Adam Stamm at work psychology consultancy Online Disc Profile explains: “This is not about disguising a weakness or inventing a personality.

“It is about understanding how your natural tendencies show up at work, explaining the value they bring to a team and demonstrating where you are continuing to grow.”

Here some skills to flip . . . 

1. Quiet or withdrawn, to observing, attentive and listening.

2. Preference for smaller groups and solo tasks, to strong independent working and self-management.

3. Not visibly high-energy, to calm and steady presence during pressure and change.

4. Control freak who needs to be in charge, to decisive organiser who provides structure and clarity.

5. Micromanager who doesn’t delegate, to deep accountability, invested in getting best outcomes.

6. Intense or intimidating personality style, to highly driven and committed individual who is keen to hone pacing skills as part of professional development.

RIBENA IS FOR LIFE

IN an age of job insecurity, one employer is focusing on offering long-term roles for the local community.
Many of the staff at the Ribena factory in Coleford, Gloucs, are “lifers” with family members working together.
Craig Fletcher’s mum and aunt both worked at the plant and he has been there since 1991.
He says: “You can put the best machinery in here but without the people, it’s worthless.”
With the factory still thriving, there are lots of roles currently on offer. Find out more at tinyurl.com/37etrwv5.

APPLY FOR A TWO-CENTRE POST

Virgin Media O2 has a new scheme to help students Credit: Supplied

OFF to university this autumn? Virgin Media O2 has a new scheme to help students hold down retail roles with the firm while also studying.

It lets those in shop assistant roles move between stores in their university and home towns between term time and holidays.

With more than 300 shops nationwide, the firm hopes to to help students build valuable workplace experience.

Virgin Media O2 retail director Will Houldsworth said: “Young people shouldn’t have to choose between gaining a qualification and building a career.”

Apply for jobs at tinyurl.com/38kxzrz2.

JOBSPOT

COURIER giant Evri is delivering 10,000 new jobs. Openings include van drivers and a range of support staff. To learn more about the vacancies that are up for grabs, check out evri.com/careers/life-at-evri.

CLOTHING chain Saltrock has vacancies for sales advisers and supervisors. To find out more about what is on offer, and apply, visit harri.com/Saltrock-Careers.