Fibre to Power: Why the UK’s Fibre Engineers Could Be the Answer to the Electrical Skills Gap

Over the past decade, the UK has seen a massive surge in fibre infrastructure projects. Billions have been invested, kilometres of cable laid, and thousands of fibre engineers trained to handle this rapid rollout. But now, as the country works to meet its ambitious net-zero targets and scale up renewable energy efforts, we’re faced with a new challenge: a critical shortage of electrical engineers.Research from the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) highlights that 71% of UK engineering employers report skills gaps, specifically due to a lack of necessary technical and engineering capabilities within their teams.

What if the solution to this gap is already out there, working on our roadsides and inside riser cupboards? Fibre engineers, I’m looking at you.

The Numbers Game

Let’s break it down. In the past 10 years, the UK broadband sector has experienced an unprecedented boom. The number of fibre engineers increased by 50% as the country worked to bring ultrafast connections to homes and businesses across the nation. These professionals possess a highly specialised, technical skill set that’s key to keeping national infrastructure running smoothly.

Now, contrast this with the state of electrical engineering. The demand for electrical engineers has soared alongside the rise of renewable energy projects, nationwide EV infrastructure, and smart grid systems. Industry reports highlight a potential shortage of thousands of electrical engineers over the next decade, a shortfall that could significantly hinder the country’s green initiatives.

Why Fibre Engineers Are a Perfect Fit

The transition from fibre to electrical engineering isn’t as big a leap as you might think:

?Technical crossover: Fibre engineers are skilled at handling complex wiring, intricate networks, and troubleshooting in real-time. Electrical work shares much of this technical DNA.

?Infrastructure experience: Both roles involve large-scale projects, often public-facing. Fibre engineers are well-versed in navigating permits, safety codes, and working within regulated environments—skills that transfer directly to the energy sector.

?Experience in scaling industries: The fibre rollout offered engineers a front-row seat to scaling tech projects from pilots to full national implementation. This same growth mindset is invaluable for scaling renewable energy projects.

Bridging the Gap: A Practical Proposal

To tackle this gap, we need a structured retraining programme. Picture a 6- to 12-month course, supported by government incentives, run in partnership with training bodies and energy companies. This programme would give current fibre engineers the opportunity to gain certifications in electrical engineering while maintaining their current employment.

Investing in retraining is both efficient and effective. The workforce is already skilled and adaptable, just waiting for the right push to expand their expertise.

The Payoff

By retraining a portion of the fibre workforce into certified electrical engineers, we’re not just filling vacancies; we’re enhancing the sector with experienced professionals who understand how to handle fast-evolving landscapes. This isn’t just smart policy—it’s vital for achieving the UK’s ambitious energy goals.

As the country looks ahead, the ability to pivot, retrain, and optimise our existing workforce could be what drives us from energy crisis to a clean, electrified future. And the very people who helped connect the UK to the digital world could be the ones to power it into the electric age.