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The global energy sector is in the middle of a massive transformation. As we move away from fossil fuels and towards the goal of net zero, there has never been a better time to make the switch from conventional power to cleaner sources of energy generation. Renewables are the future, but they're also here today - with opportunities for new entrants to work on projects that contribute towards net zero goals and help shape our future way of life.
A skills shortage that shows no signs of slowing
With more job opportunities than there are suitably skilled people to fill them, if you're looking for a new career opportunity with incredible immediate and future prospects and the opportunity to make a positive impact, a renewables role could be your golden ticket.
There are plenty of reasons why now is an excellent time for someone who wants to transition into the renewable energy industry. The field has expanded rapidly over the past decade; there's more money flowing into companies working in renewables than ever before, and governments around the world have committed themselves to reducing their carbon emissions through increased investment in green technology – presenting a wealth of employment opportunities.
There's a reason why the industry is booming, and it's not just because of the feeling of doing something good for the planet. Renewable energy is an increasingly competitive market, providing lucrative opportunities for those with the right skillsets needed to undertake the work.
The UK has a long history of successful renewable energy projects.
The UK has a long history of successful renewable energy projects. In fact, it was the first country to generate electricity from wind power back in 1887. Today, we have some of the best wind and solar resources in Europe; which means there are plenty of opportunities to get involved with leading renewables projects.
You may have heard about offshore wind farms like Hornsea One which by itself generates enough green energy to power over 1 million UK homes. Or perhaps the currently under construction Dogger Bank Wind Farm, which is set to be the world’s largest offshore wind farm capable of powering up to 6 million homes annually. These are just a couple of the exciting projects happening in North East, with many more existing and upcoming developments across the UK providing great entryways into the industry.
Taking advantage of your existing skillset
If you’ve never worked in the sector previously, it’s easy to make the mistake that renewables roles are only open to those who have previously been exposed to the industry. But with the ever-increasing appearance of exciting new projects, many teams are being established from scratch – providing opportunities across multiple levels from trainee to senior roles. There are many different types of jobs within the renewables sector as well, so no matter what level your experience is at right now, there's definitely something within this field that will suit your needs. And individuals with transferable skillsets that can help bridge the transition are in an even more advantageous position.
Many experienced individuals will already hold many of the core skills that renewables employers are looking for. Many of those same employers are also open to providing training to new hires to help fill any gaps in their skillsets when they make the move into the sector, so don’t let a current lack of expertise put you off a move into the industry. Individuals with a background in mechanical or electrical engineering, for example, should look to create an engineering portfolio to emphasise their experience and demonstrate how a similar approach to projects in that space could be applied in a renewable energy setting.
Don’t neglect soft skills either, such as leadership experience or communication skills. In fact, many employers will claim that these are just as important as technical knowledge when it comes to hiring decisions because they're so important when working on teams and solving problems together as part of an organisation (and aren't always easy to teach). If you are good at working in a team environment and have strong communication skills, these are definitely transferable to renewable energy projects.
How to keep up with the latest renewables opportunities
Once you feel you are ready to make the transition across to a renewables role, there are a few things you can do to ensure you find the right job to match your needs;
Identify the renewables projects that interest you
Connect with professionals who are recruiting for positions in this sector
Attend events hosted by these organisations operating in the industry
Follow the social media channels of top renewables companies so that you stay updated on job openings as well as other relevant news about renewable energy developments
Connect with a recruitment partner who can guide you through the entire process, from applying for the right role through to placing you on-site
If you’d like some additional help keeping track of all of the above, NRL publishes Net Zero News, a free monthly LinkedIn newsletter which dives into key topics surrounding the renewables market, the job projects currently in development and the teams behind them, as well as a wrap-up of all of the latest top renewable energy positions we’re currently recruiting for.
The renewables sector is a great place to work. It's growing, it's exciting and there are opportunities for everyone. If you're looking for a career change, or if you simply want to make a difference in the world, then this could be your perfect move.