So, what's it all about?
Every single one of us depends on energy and utilities like electricity, water and gas. We take it for granted that water willcome out of the tap, that our shower will be hot, and the lights won’t suddenly go out and plunge us into darkness. But making it all happen – from generation in massive plants to widespread distribution to every home and business – is an incredible feat.
Few sectors are as essential as energy and utilities – or as broad. It covers the generation, transmission, distribution and supply of electricity; the transportation, distribution and supply of gas; the collection, purification and distribution of water; waste management and the collection and treatment of sewerage; and nuclear fuel processing. The Apprenticeships in this section provide an entry route into all of these areas.
Keeping gas, electricity and water supply in check isn’t easy. By nature, gas hates being in an enclosed space and is always looking for a place to escape. A gas leak could potentially cause an explosion, so anyone working with this substance needs to be highly skilled – any mistake could have serious consequences.
This section also features a new Apprenticeship in the nuclear industry, which accounts for roughly 20% of the electricity in the UK. The provision of nuclear power and the safe decommissioning (or closing down) of the UK’s older nuclear power plants both rate highly on the government agenda. This sort of work involves skills that are transferable to other sectors within this industry, as well as engineering.
The many roles in this industry require people with all sorts of skills. Practical roles like pipe fitting, line repair and cable jointing are in high demand, as are plant operatives. There’s also a large administrative and commercial side to the industry. Every household and company in the country has an electricity bill to pay – that’s a lot of customers to look after, and a lot of administrative work. All the major supply companies have large contact centres covering areas like customer service and sales.
Apprenticeships are a popular method of entry into this sector, and many of today’s managers and supervisors were once Apprentices. Also, much of the skilled workforce is now approaching retirement age, which means excellent career prospects when you qualify.
COMING SOON!A new Apprenticeship in Waste Management is currently in development. For details, visit the Energy and Utility Skills website – www.euskills.co.uk.
What qualities do I need?
• be practical and good with your hands
• have a sound understanding of technology and scientific principles
• awareness of safe working practices and potential hazards
• be able to take responsibility and act on your own initiative
• have good IT skills
• take in technical information and put it into practice
• be friendly and polite when dealing with the public
Apprenticeships in this sector
These are the Apprenticeships currently available in this sector. For more information and for details of the Apprenticeship framework, contact the Sector Skills Council listed after each.
Domestic natural gas installation and maintenance
Contact www.euskills.co.uk
Electricity
Contact www.euskills.co.uk
Gas network operations
Contact www.euskills.co.uk
Water
Contact www.euskills.co.uk
Click here for a list of employers offering Apprenticeships in this sector.
Major employers
British Energy
www.british-energy.com/careers
British Energy is the UK’s largest producer of electricity and the lowest carbon emitter of the major UK electricity generators.
British Gas
www.britishgas.co.uk
British Gas is the UK’s leading energy and Home Services provider.
EDF Energy
www.edfenergy.com/core/aas/index.html
EDF Energy is one of the most successful companies in the UK’s energy sector.
Morgan Est
www.morganest.com/Careers/Apprenticeships.aspx
Offers Apprenticeships in gas, electric and water network operations.
National Grid
www.nationalgrid.com/uk
Provides energy across Great Britain and the north-east US.
United Utilities
www.unitedutilities.com
United Utilities manages and operates electricity distribution, water and wastewater networks.
More info
Sector Skills Councils
These are the people who look after the Apprenticeships in this section. Visit their websites for more information about working in the energy industry.
Cogent SSC
www.cogent-ssc.com
Energy and Utility Skills
www.euskills.co.uk
Energy guides
Where does gas come from? What can you do to save water? How do you fit a new fuse into a plug? You can find out the answers and more on these three helpful websites:
The Electricity Guide
www.electricity-guide.org.uk
The Gas Guide
www.gas-guide.org.uk
The Water Guide
www.water-guide.org.uk
Further reading
CORGI
www.trustcorgi.com
The people who regulate gas safety in the UK.
Water Aid
www.wateraid.org/uk
An international charity dedicated to giving the world’s poorest people access to safe, clean water.
Water UK
www.water.org.uk
This website has everything you ever wanted to know about water provision in the UK.