Career Pathways in Clean Energy

Guidance on the variety of opportunities involved in supporting the transformation of the region’s energy sector.

Welcome to your comprehensive guide on career pathways into the growing field of clean energy. Whether you’re a novice looking to start a new career or a professional keen to upskill, this guide offers a clear roadmap to a rewarding career in helping the region's energy transition to build a sustainable future. 

What is Clean Energy?

The clean energy sector is a fast-growing and important part of the economy. It focuses on producing and using energy in ways that reduce pollution and protect the environment. This sector is helping us move away from fossil fuels like coal, oil, and gas, and towards cleaner sources such as solar power, wind energy, and heat from the ground. It also includes technologies like carbon capture and energy-efficient building design.

There are many different careers in clean energy. Some are hands-on roles like solar panel installers, wind turbine technicians, construction workers, and welders. Others are more office-based, such as project managers, policy advisors, and communications specialists. These roles help plan projects, ensure projects are lawful and well managed, and raise awareness about clean energy. If you care about climate change and want to help build a better future, the clean energy sector offers exciting and meaningful career opportunities.

The Demand for Jobs in Clean Energy

The clean energy sector is at the heart of the government's plans to transition to a fully decarbonised electricity system by 2035. This dynamic industry is rapidly expanding renewable energy sources, such as onshore wind and solar photovoltaics (PV), and is driving demand for a new generation of skilled professionals. From designing district heat networks to installing cutting-edge renewable technologies, the sector offers diverse, rewarding career opportunities for those ready to make an impact.

In the West of England Combined Authority, decarbonising our energy system is key to achieving our commitment to net-zero by 2030. This effort is opening up a wide range of roles across the renewable energy sector, from community engagement to grid infrastructure coordination. Whether you're passionate about sustainability, skilled in project management, or technically minded, there’s a role for you in shaping a greener future.

Why work in the Clean Energy sector?

  • You could work outdoors on land or at sea, in an office, or in a laboratory.
  • Many roles offer opportunities to travel and work around the world.
  • You’ll make a meaningful impact by helping tackle climate change and protect the planet for future generations.
  • It’s a fast-moving sector driven by new technology and changing regulations, giving you the chance to work on cutting-edge projects.
  • Growing demand for clean energy means strong job security and lots of opportunities for career development.
  • You’ll help reduce fuel poverty by supporting the shift to affordable, renewable energy.
  • The sector offers a wide range of roles for different skill sets — from hands-on technical jobs to planning, policy, and communications.
  • You’ll be part of a community working towards a fairer, greener future.
Clean Energy Training

How to find the right course for you

If you are looking to start afresh in the clean energy sector then apprenticeships, technical education and graduate schemes are all good routes in.

Apprenticeships and Technical Education: Apprenticeships are a great way to get a sense of the industry as they combine real work with training and study, giving you the chance to put your skills into practice.

  • Eligibility: 16+ (no upper age limit) ranging from entry apprenticeships  to Masters Degree apprenticeships
  • Length: Varies depending on level and subject area but typically between 1-5 years.
  • Cost: Tuition is FREE to the learner. Learners are paid by employers (rates of pay vary).

Graduate Schemes: If you have recently qualified with a relevant degree and want join the Clean Energy sector, then Graduate Schemes could offer you a route in.

 

Explore a variety of Clean Energy training opportunities in the Skills Connect Directory.

If you have skills or experience and want to either enhance them with some new knowledge, or apply them to a role in clean energy, there are lots of short courses available to you. Below are some examples of common types of training.

Skills Bootcamps:
  • Eligibility: 19 years+
  • Cost: Free
  • Length: up to 16 weeks (part-time/flexible courses to help fit around commitments)
  • Benefits: Great for upskilling and/or broadening your skillset to support progressing your work opportunities, often a fast-track to an interview.

Search for a relevant bootcamp, or read the stories of others who have completed them.

Option 2: Further Training or Continual Professional Development (CPD)
  • Eligibility: Various
  • Cost: Various
  • Length: As little as a few hours, up to weeks or months depending on the subject.
  • Benefits: Great for keeping up-to-date on  industry standards and developments, and developing new skills.

 

Explore a variety of Clean Energy training opportunities in the Skills Connect Directory.

You can also contact our Skills Connect Advisors who are happy to talk through the different options available to you

Training Opportunities

Specialist areas in Clean Energy

Electricians and electrical engineers supporting the design and installation of various energy systems play a key role in the sector. For more information about careers in electrical industry, head to our electrical skills pages which explain how to move into and upskill in fitting Solar PV, Energy Storage and electric vehicle charging.

Welding and construction jobs are vital in the net-zero energy sector as they are build the essential infrastructure, such as solar farms and wind turbine installations. Skilled welders play a key role including constructing the pipelines to transport energy produced back to the grid.

To find out which training providers in the region are offering local training opportunities in areas of Clean Energy, head to the Skills Connect Directory.

Engineering jobs in the clean energy sector offer a variety of exciting opportunities. Renewable energy engineers create technologies that harness solar, wind, and hydrogen energy. Energy efficiency engineers design systems that use less energy and reduce carbon footprints. Environmental engineers tackle projects that capture carbon and produce hydrogen safely, ensuring new energy solutions support a sustainable future. Visit the This is Engineering website for more careers information.

To find out which training providers in the region are offering local training opportunities in areas of Clean Energy, head to the Skills Connect Directory.

The clean energy sector isn’t just about engineering — it’s powered by skilled professionals in operations and management too. If you’re organised, a good communicator, and enjoy solving problems, there are exciting roles where you can lead projects, monitor data, and ensure everything runs smoothly and safely. From health and safety to quality control and project planning, these careers help drive innovation and keep clean energy systems working efficiently.

 

To find out which training providers in the region are offering local training opportunities in areas of Clean Energy, head to the Skills Connect Directory

Jobs in community energy scheme development focus on creating and implementing local renewable energy projects that empower communities and promote sustainability. Key roles include community energy coordinators, project managers, renewable energy consultants, and outreach specialists, all working together to engage residents, secure funding, and design effective energy solutions. These positions are essential for helping communities take control of their energy needs and contribute to a low-carbon future.

Community Energy Schemes typically offer volunteering opportunities which can help towards building your experience. To find out which training providers in the region are offering local training opportunities in areas of Clean Energy, head to the Skills Connect Directory.

Careers in Clean Energy

Explore some of the different careers in net zero-energy. There are different jobs for a variety of skills and industry areas. Have a look at some of the examples below.

Training Opportunities

Discover training providers that offer courses to help you build skills in clean energy.

Training Provider Directory

Finding Support

Professional organisations and websites offer industry specific support, such as career advice, training, membership schemes, networking opportunities, as well as support with industry regulations or developments. Here are some websites and organisations dedicated to supporting careers in Clean Energy:

Green Careers Hub is a website offering information and opportunities around green skills, jobs and careers

This is Engineering - a website dedicated to supporting people to enter into engineering roles.

Electrical Careers website offers industry related careers and training information and advice.

The National Grid have a dedicated careers page.

Prospects are a leading website for careers information and offer dedicated pages on Renewable Energy Careers.

Solar Energy UK is an established trade association working for and representing the solar and energy storage value chain. 

MCS Foundation sets, defines and maintains the Standards for low-carbon energy technology products, contractors and their installations. This includes heat pumps, solar, biomass, small wind and battery storage. They list the skills courses.

The Energy Institute is the chartered professional membership body for people who work across the world of energy.

Professional Bodies

The Engineering Council provide support and resources to aspiring and qualified engineers.

The Electrotechnical Skills Partnership (TESP) is a not-for-profit skills partnership created by ECA, Joint Industry Board (JIB), National Electrotechnical Training (NET), SELECT and Unite the Union. 

Electrical Contractors Association are the UK’s leading trade association for the electrotechnical services industry. 

The Association for Renewable Energy and Clean Technology is a not-for-profit trade association providing the latest information on policy updates, sector-specific insights, topical briefings and industry-leading training/events.

Training Grants

The Government's Heat Training Grants offer up to £500 towards the cost of heat pump training.

The Construction Industry Training Board provide grants for employers who provide training for their workforce. If you are an employer or work for an eligible employer you may be able to access the grant scheme.

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Image credit: Jason Goodman, Unsplash

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