Call for green apprenticeships to meet demand as government urged to modernise training routes
A Shropshire-based renewables employer is calling on the government to modernise apprenticeship training and develop a new green skills route.
Joe Collison, managing director of specialist electrical contractors CES, said that National Apprenticeship Week is the perfect opportunity to highlight the UK’s urgent need for specialist training in the green energy sector.
According to a recent UCAS review, demand for green skills in the energy sector is rising rapidly, with almost half of organisations surveyed highlighting a shortage of suitably trained staff as a concern.
The company argues that a dedicated renewable or “green” apprenticeship, would deliver the specialist skills the sector urgently needs—and support the UK’s net zero ambitions.
Managing director at CES, Joe Collison said: “We are passionate about developing the next generation of talent for the renewables sector. While our apprentice Oli learns valuable skills with us, with a focus on decarbonisation alongside learning the fundamentals of being an electrician, it is clear that current apprenticeships do not go far enough to prepare people for the ‘green’ technologies that are rapidly transforming the sector.
“We urge the government and training providers to consider dedicated green apprenticeships, so young people can train specifically in areas like solar and energy storage, not just traditional electrical skills. This would help plug the significant skills gap we face and support our decarbonisation goals nationally and here in the Midlands.”
CES currently employs an electrical apprentice, Oliver Walden, working towards a Level 3 qualification and his NVQ to become a fully qualified electrician.
Oli said: “I’m gaining valuable experience in renewables thanks to CES’s focus, but my formal electrical apprenticeship does not cover green energy technologies in any depth. I’m particularly interested in developing skills that support CES’s focus on sustainable solutions, including gaining experience with solar installations and future-focused electrical technologies.”
CES this year is launching a special search for a new renewables electrician apprenticeship to join the team. The chosenapprentice will be trained and mentored by experienced engineers and upon successful completion of the apprenticeship, will gain a nationally recognised qualification and develop valuable knowledge and skills that can be applied to a full-time engineer role for a sustainable future. For those looking to apply email info@poweredbyces.co.uk.
