How to Start a Career in Renewable Energy in the UK

Renewable energy is one of the UK’s fastest-growing sectors and provides some of the most desirable career opportunities for people passionate about sustainability and the environment. Following the UK government’s commitment to reduce emissions to net zero by 2050, demand for an expanding workforce has never been higher. Research by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) reveals a positive trajectory within the renewable energy job market in the UK. In 2022, the number of full-time equivalent (FTE) green jobs reached an estimated 639,400, representing an 8.4% increase compared to 2021. This trend demonstrates the numerous opportunities in the sector, making now an ideal time to start a career.

If you’re interested in joining the UK’s renewables sector, here’s what you need to know to get involved.

The Renewable Energy Sector

Before starting your career, it’s essential to understand the different areas in which renewable energy jobs exist. The renewables sector has diverse areas of activity, including:

• Wind
• Solar
• Nuclear
• Hydrogen
• Hydroelectric
• Carbon Capture
• Biomass

These areas all provide employment opportunities with different skill sets, technical expertise, and intended careers. Whether you are interested in engineering, project management, research or policy, there is likely somewhere in renewables for you.

According to The Offshore Wind Industry Council (OWIC) 2023 report, the UK’s offshore wind market alone supports over 32,000 direct and indirect jobs nationwide, expected to rise to over 104,000 by 2030. Additionally, the solar industry supports the job market, with the sector expected to create around 60,000 jobs in the UK by 2035. This apparent growth illustrates the dominance of the renewables industry in the UK and how the emergence of new projects, developments, and green technologies are creating opportunities across the entire industry.

Education and Qualifications

The first step to starting a career in renewable energy is obtaining the necessary qualifications, such as a degree, master's, and certifications in the relevant area. Some roles might not require a degree or university qualification but would benefit from vocational training, such as an apprenticeship. While not all positions in the renewable energy sector require a background in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics), having qualifications in these fields can improve your appeal as a candidate. Additionally, if you have prior experience in another industry or role, you likely possess a strong aptitude and transferable skills that can assist you in pursuing a new career path in renewables.

1. University Degrees

If you want to work in a technical role – for instance, as an engineer or scientist – you’ll almost certainly need a degree in an area such as renewable energy, environmental science, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering or related fields. Many universities in the UK now offer renewable energy courses at various levels.

2. Vocational Training and Apprenticeships

Not every career in renewable energy requires a university degree. Apprenticeships and other vocational training programmes can guarantee real-world experience and are a great entryway into the industry, especially for jobs such as wind turbine technicians or solar panel installers. A range of apprenticeship schemes are supported by the UK government and industry bodies, helping to provide you with the skills for specific careers in renewable energy.

3. Professional Certifications

Obtaining professional certifications relevant to the renewable energy sector will help you gain more credibility and increase your chances of finding suitable work. Some accredited bodies include:

• Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET)
• Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE)
• Global Wind Organisation (GWO)
• The Renewable Energy Institute
• Energy Institute

Gaining Experience

Experience is just as important as academic qualifications for securing a job in renewable energy. Employers often seek work experience to better understand your soft skills and how well you’ll fit in with the company/team.

1. Internships and Work Placements

For example, you could apply for internships or work placements while you’re still in education and/or as soon as you finish so you get a feel for what the work entails and start to build up a network. Many leading companies in the industry offer internships and graduate schemes, including names such as Ørsted, Siemens Energy, and ScottishPower.

2. Volunteering

Participating in environmental NGO activities or supporting community-scale renewable energy schemes can help. Although it might not be paid, volunteering shows commitment to the field and equips you with on-the-ground experience that employers value.

3. Entry-Level Positions

Even if you are qualified for more senior roles, entering a new career often requires starting with an entry-level position. This is especially true in an industry that is quickly evolving, where people frequently change jobs and opportunities are fluid. It’s common for people to start in entry-level positions and work their way up. In fact, starting at this level can be valuable because it gives you a good overview of the sector.

Networking and Professional Development

Building a network and staying informed about the industry is equally important. These considerations are indicative of a promising career in renewable energy.

1. Industry Events and Conferences

Attending industry events, such as conferences, seminars, and workshops, can help you connect with professionals in the field and stay updated on the latest developments. Events like Renewable UK’s Global Offshore Wind conference or the Solar & Storage Live exhibition are excellent networking opportunities.

2. Professional Associations

Joining other professional associations, such as the Renewable Energy Association (REA) or the UK Solar Trade Association, means you will have access to resources such as information, networking opportunities, and other industry news.

3. Continuous Learning

With the renewable energy sector constantly evolving, as new technologies and regulations emerge almost daily, continuous learning is important. You can do this by taking coursework, attending continuing education workshops/webinars, or getting certificates. This will make you more competitive in the market and place you in a greater position for your career.

Exploring Job Opportunities

With over 90 years of combined experience as a leader in energy recruitment, NES Fircroft has a specialist renewable energy division that works with the world’s leading employers in the sector. We help these employers attract the right talent for key positions, ranging from board-level roles to entry-level positions across various fields, including engineering, project management, policy development, and research.

We are not just generalist recruiters at NES Fircroft. We are leading specialists in renewable energy recruitment with an in-depth knowledge of the market and a deep understanding of your specific needs. We talk to our candidates to understand fully what you are looking for and how the roles we propose fit your career ambitions, transferable skills, and experience. We have expert advisors who will help you through the process, from writing a winning CV to learning how to succeed in an interview. This way, you will find the right renewable energy role for you. We place talent in a range of roles, spanning:

• C# suite mandates
• Director-level positions
• Commercial and sales
• Project management
• R&D and development
• Construction
• Design
• Procurement
• Operations and maintenance
• Technical engineering
• And more!

Are you ready to take your renewable energy career to the next level? Visit NES Fircroft’s job search page to learn more about current opportunities, or connect with one of our recruiters today!