Apprenticeships are key to tackling the UK’s green skills gap

The energy sector is experiencing a transformative era. Our research shows that in order to tackle climate change and reach the net zero by 2050 goal, we will need to fill 400,000 green jobs in the UK. The government’s ten-point plan highlighted huge ambitions for a clean energy future, and there needs to be a countrywide and sector focus on getting the right people trained up and in place in order to deliver these plans.

And the talent is needed for a range of roles from installing hydrogen boilers, to creating the infrastructure for more electric cars to using AI to predict weather patterns. For young people themselves, apprenticeships offer a great route into the sector, enabling them to gain the skills and training they need to help tackle climate change and become part of the generation working towards net zero.

With inquisitive mindsets and new perspectives, they have the potential to play a critical role in helping the UK achieve its climate goals.

People want a career that helps the planet

And we know that the interest is there. National Grid’s research shows that many people want a career that helps the planet. For young adults aged 18-24 in particular, a job that involves tackling climate change would be one of their top choices. This motivation to be part of the generation solving climate issues will be crucial for generating new ideas and getting these off the ground, and also to challenging the sector to think of solutions beyond traditional or legacy approaches.

There are ample benefits for organisations too. As employers increasingly try to anticipate future gaps in the skills, they’ll need to adapt to changes in the business landscape, apprentices are a great way to tailor talent development in way that will futureproof the company. Through on-the-job learning and studying for a qualification, apprenticeship programmes are a great way to train up individuals so that they can immediately join the workforce and hit the ground running when they complete the scheme.

Individuals who start their careers on apprenticeship programmes can build new relationships and networks, whether it’s through peers on the programmes or through access to role models or mentors. For employers, this relationship building can also often mean apprentices are more likely to stay in the same organisation and build their career, sometimes moving between roles within the company or trying different teams. This longer-term mindset can help plan for and address gaps in the workforce expected in the next five, ten and beyond years.

And we absolutely need it. It’s precisely why we’re throwing our weight behind apprenticeships. We truly believe they have the power to make a difference.

By Sally-Anne Dudley, UK Head of Learning at National Grid