Energy and utility apprenticeships offer school leavers a broad range of opportunities in an industry where skilled people are high in demand. You’ll receive a real salary, real qualifications and skills.

What do energy and utility apprenticeships involve?

Energy and utility Apprenticeships are a credible alternative to university. They combine study with practical on the job training allowing you to gain experience while working alongside industry experts, obtaining highly sought skills and sector related qualifications.

Energy and the utilities industry is essential to the economy, they supply water, power and gas to millions of people’s homes and businesses.

‘5 billion environmental schemes and offshore transmission tenders have been administered’ according to Ofgem. Due to the necessity to reduce carbon emissions, the energy industry is looking at alternative ways to increase energy renewable sources to retain energy for future generations.

The energy and utilities industry offer nothing but excitement and challenges as it is rapidly evolving to meet demands. Are you an innovator with a compelling approach? This really could be the perfect job for you!

Skills needed for energy and utility apprenticeships

Do you want to make a positive difference? Are you able to adapt to unprecedented changes? An energy and utility Apprenticeship could be just what you’re looking for. A strong work ethic is also a crucial skill to possess as well as excellent communication skills, enjoy practical, hands on work and a dynamic approach.

Energy and utility apprenticeship employers

The main energy and gas suppliers in the UK are Centrica (British Gas), E.ON, SSE, EDF Energy, Npower, Scottish Power, National Grid, BP and Shell. The main UK water suppliers are Anglian Water, United Utilities, Yorkshire Water, Scottish Water and Severn Trent. Each of these employers also offer Apprenticeships.

Let’s look at a small handful of roles you could be doing in energy and utilities:

Smart meter installation – As a smart meter installer you’ll go into homes and businesses to install gas and electricity meters. Your role could also include removing old meters and testing new meters and answering any queries from customers.

Meter reader – A meter reader apprentice will read gas, electric and water meters and record the data of what is being used by people in their homes and businesses so the company you work for can work out the amount owed by your figures taken.

Substation – Substation Apprenticeships involve interpreting engineering drawings, gaining experience working with outages and faults. You will also maintain transformers and circuit breakers. Your learning and skill development will be gained through shadowing experienced engineers based in a substation.

Gas Operations – Working in gas operations will involve maintaining pipelines, gas turbines and compressors. You’ll be the one keeping everyone in the UK safe and ensuring gas is supplies safely, securely and reliably.

Water Network – Working within water networks means you’ll be maintaining the pipes that supplies water to customers homes and businesses while also ensuring mains, pumping stations and service reservoirs are operating as they should.