The electricity industry is an interesting, dynamic and varied sector offering diverse opportunities across a range of roles and competencies from engineering and operational employment to corporate, finance and sales roles. The electricity industry needs intelligent, hard working employees who are not afraid of a challenge and understand the environmental and social implications of electricity.

These pages are intended as an introduction to the education, training and skills services available in the electricity sector.

Apprenticeships

Apprenticeships are offered through the big electricity producers as well as through smaller firms. Apprenticeships will typically appeal to school leavers and provide on the job training, usually culminating in a qualification. To find out further information about electricity sector apprenticeships, visit the Government website here.

The National Skills Academy for Power is a useful resource for power sector careers.

University Courses

Many Universities run engineering and scientific degrees useful in the electricity industry. More specific courses can also be found at a number of higher education institutions studying renewable energy, the environment and energy trading and finance.

The Energy Institute has a list of accredited university courses on its website here.
 

Graduate Roles

The large electricity companies have dedicated programmes for graduate development. These graduate roles may be operational, corporate or consumer facing. 

Companies running large graduate schemes are:

Centrica

EdF Energy

E.ON UK

npower

ScottishPower

Scottish and Southern Energy

National Grid

 

Industry Training

Training is vital to the industry. Keeping up to date with new regulations and legislations necessitates specialist training.

There are a number of electricity courses that are produced to facilitate an understanding of specific areas of the electricity industry.

ELEXON provides training in a wide range of issues surrounding the Balancing and Settlement Code. These courses are free for those working with the BSC.

The Institution of Engineering and Technology holds a register of professional engineers in the UK. It also offers mentoring and advice on career development.

National Energy Foundation provides training courses about sustainable energy.