What about Energy & Utilities?

Energy is fundamental to almost all aspects of our lives and our economy. Rising concerns about climate change have furthermore driven rapid growth in the UK’s renewables sector. The offshore energy industry, for instance, is growing at a rate of 20% per year.

If the UK is to meet targets set by government to reduce CO2 emissions by 60% by 2050, the energy industry will have to undergo a radical transformation. The search is therefore on for technological innovations and fresh ideas on how to tackle the problem.

This is an exciting time for the energy and utility sector. Around the globe these industries are facing reduced state control, deregulation and increasing competition. In the UK this process is well advanced, companies today are facing stiff competition in the energy sector, the waste and disposal industry and the water utilities. The modern market is a global game.

Typical activities

We all depend on the effective supply of energy, the provision of water and the disposal of sewage. The people who work in these industries provide highly skilled and vital services:

• Installing and maintaining distribution systems
• Monitering and handling chemicals and microbes during processing
• Diagnosing and fixing faults in electrical systems
• Designing and implementing renewable energy plants
• Maintaining safety procedures and environmental good practice

Getting in

The recent changes in the energy and utilities market have considerably extended the opportunities that are available. Competition alone has forced many of the old state utility companies to diversify their interests. And climate change has created the need for qualified people to undertake research into new technologies.

"This industry can fit just about any interest"

There are opportunities at every level. Though there are exceptions, most people featured and employed by the industry will have gained relevant qualifications at the start of their careers, especially in the field of engineering. This could be either through an apprenticeship, relevant vocational qualification or a degree.

For those with a good grounding in a technical area there are also great opportunities for “climbing up the ladder”. Many employers will provide structured training leading to Chartered Engineering or Technician status or other professional qualifications.

So, this is a field where there are plenty of opportunities to advance your career.  It is just a matter of laying the right foundation.

Typical Employees

The energy and utility industries exist throughout the world. With the relevant qualification there is no limit to where you could work:

• BNFL
• Centrica
• EDF Energy
• Thames Water
• Biffa

More reading

 EUSkills - the Sector Skills Council for Energy and Utilities