How to Plan for Renewable Energy Recruitment in 2024

Here’s a spoiler alert for renewable energy recruiters: 2024 will bring unprecedented demand for talent. The UK government’s net-zero carbon commitments and major industry investments mean that renewable energy businesses are facing talent growth like never before.

While recruitment needs in renewable energy had been growing steadily for years, the industry saw a huge leap in 2023. Some recruitment agencies reported as much as 22 per cent increases in job requirements in the last 12 months, with projections rising well into 2024 and beyond.

This is just the beginning of what will quickly be the largest growing employment sector in the country—encompassing jobs from gigafactories, solar farms, battery storage and offshore wind, to name a few. But with so many roles to fill, it’s not a numbers game; it’s about quality. With such a fast-moving, competitive sector, how do you plan future talent for renewable energy?

The Growing Sectors in Renewable Energy Recruitment for 2024

Before you start recruiting, it’s worth pointing out which renewables sectors are growing the quickest and where you may struggle most to fill those roles.

1. Electric Vehicle Recruitment

Electric vehicles will be a massive part of the United Kingdom’s green future and are set to create around 103,000 new jobs by 2030. Almost eight million pure electric vehicles could be on Britain’s roads by 2030, many of which will need servicing and repairing by skilled workers. Yet the Institute of Motor Industry believes there could still be a shortfall of 16,000 EV technicians by then.

That means the race for EV technicians will be fierce, and businesses hoping to improve employment prospects need to start thinking about how to draw in people with the right skills and training right now.

 2. Battery Manufacturing

EVs also require highly skilled technicians and the UK government recently published an entire battery production strategy to meet this expected demand by 2030. The Faraday Institution estimates that EV demand could create as many as 270,000 new jobs in battery production and energy storage by 2040.

3. Solar Power Recruitment

Solar power is another area seeing significant growth. By 2023, the UK was on track to see a record 200,000 new small-scale domestic solar PV installations. Additionally, enough solar farms are in the pipeline to double the UK's capacity—a development that could create 10,000 new jobs.

4. Offshore Wind Recruitment

To meet its goals of achieving 50GW of offshore wind capacity and 10GW of hydrogen production, along with up to 30 million tonnes of carbon capture and storage, the offshore wind industry will need to increase its workforce from 150,000 in 2023 to as many as 225,000 by 2030.

Steps to Prepare for Renewable Energy Recruitment in 2024

1. Define the Skills You Need 

This is one of the first assignments we work on with clients as a recruitment provider. The main focus should be identifying the skills, competencies, and experience relevant to your vacancies. In a competitive market, it is easier to find someone who has the right skill set or transferable skills than a candidate with the correct job title.

Additionally, renewable energy is evolving so quickly that the skills you need today may change in a few years. Prioritising candidates who are adaptable and willing to continue their education and training will help your workforce.

2. Offer Competitive Packages

A competitive salary and benefits package are not negotiable in a candidate-driven market. In fact, if you aren’t at or above industry standards, your offers will probably be passed over. This is especially true in renewable energy recruitment, where demand exceeds supply.

Pay packages should definitely be benchmarked against your competitors, but it is equally important that you offer competitive salaries. Benefits such as flexible working, professional development, and wellbeing make your roles more attractive. This is especially important if you want to hire top talent!

3. Promote Your Company’s Mission

While competitive compensation is essential, salary is rarely the sole determining factor that candidates consider. A growing number of job seekers look for companies that align with how they want to be, not just what they want to do. Considering this, recruitment for renewable energy should be about your company's vision and mission regarding sustainability.

Be sure to emphasise how someone’s contribution will make the world a better place, and don’t forget to highlight the potential for personal development and career growth. Company culture can be a deciding factor when your candidates are choosing between multiple offers.

This is where employer branding becomes critical. By clearly communicating your company’s values and purpose, you can attract individuals who are looking for more than just a job—they’re seeking a place where they can grow and make a meaningful impact. A strong employer brand can also help differentiate your company from competitors, making it easier to attract and retain top talent.

4. Unlock Your Talent Pool

Finding the right candidates in renewable energy recruitment isn’t always easy. You might have to be creative with where you look; perhaps they don't have industry experience but have transferable skills. Maybe graduates and interns? Your own network?

Building a relationship with recruitment organisations in this industry will also help you considerably. They can help you find workers with niche, specialised skills.

5. Be Flexible

In 2024, flexibility will be key in renewable energy recruitment. With such a high demand for talent, you may need to rethink your approach to hiring. This could mean considering short-term contracts, hiring freelancers, or redefining job roles to fit the available candidates.

Additionally, providing opportunities for training and development can help you address skills shortages in the short term while preparing your employees for future challenges.

Recruit Top Talent for 2024’s Renewable Energy Growth

The renewable energy sector has seen a lot of growth this year, and it’s not too late for businesses to be ready for the recruitment challenges. By preparing now, you can position your business as a leader in the green energy revolution and secure the talent you need to succeed.

With thousands of new jobs being created across sectors like electric vehicles, solar power, and offshore wind, the competition for talent will be fierce. NES Fircroft’s industry-specific expertise in the renewables sector can help you navigate this competitive landscape. We have a team of knowledgeable consultants who can provide support to businesses in a variety of fields within the industry, ensuring you find the best candidates for your specific needs. Get in touch with us today and speak to one of our recruitment specialists!