Top tips on how to get a job in green energy

Author: John Stewart , Director of HR at SSE plc

We talk about accelerating the UK’s transition to clean energy. This will create a greener, more sustainable energy system for future generations. But how can we speed this up? And what do we need to do as a company operating in the green energy industry to drive the changes???

We could invest up to ￡40bn over the next decade on a range of infrastructure projects. We are building renewable assets (wind farms, solar and battery). We are developing the electricity network. We are also being innovative in our approach to new and flexible technologies. But investment and ambition alone are not enough. We need the right people and skills in the organisation to deliver all these plans. Over the next decade, we need to significantly grow our workforce. We will be creating and supporting thousands of jobs to meet this demand.?

In this blog we will discuss the range of opportunities there are in green energy. And outline our top tips on how you can be successful when applying for jobs in this industry.?

Do green jobs really exist??

The list of skills required as we move towards net zero is wide-ranging. We need commercial skills, project managers, system planners, analysts and system designers. We also need the craft skills required to build and operate our network and assets.?

We care about having engaged employees. We work hard to develop the right cultural environment for everyone to thrive. We invest in our people, through our policies and development and learning opportunities. When people join, they choose to stay and to grow their careers with SSE.?

What skills do we need, both now and in the future??

The list of skills required as we move towards net zero is incredibly wide-ranging. It covers everything from commercial skills, project managers, system planners, analysts and system designers to the craft skills required to build and operate our network and assets.??

We care about having engaged employees and developing the right cultural environment for everyone to thrive. We invest in our people, through our policies and development and learning opportunities, so people join and then choose to stay and to grow their careers with SSE.??

What does it take to get a job in clean energy???

A desire to be part of the solution to the energy crisis and to make a difference for future generations is a good starting point. We’re looking for people who are the right fit for our organisation. We need people with the right skills, experiences, qualities and values. The range of opportunities available is huge, there is something for everyone.?

Of course, some technical roles require specific skills, training and experience. For example, jointers, cablers and lines people to name a few. However many of our roles do not need previous energy industry experience. You may have worked in a similar type of role in a different sector and have the skills required. For example, if you have managed capital projects in a different type of environment. Those skills are transferable and maybe what we are looking for in a project management role at SSE.??

We also run programmes for apprentices and trainees, graduates and STEM returners. We also have conversion programmes from other industries into green energy. These programmes provide valuable on-the-job experience, mentoring and support from colleagues. And in some cases, the opportunity to gain an industry-recognised qualification.?

Our top tips for applying for a job in the green energy sector??

• Do your research about the organisation. Take the time to create a tailored application that shows you understand what we are about, the difference we are making and how you align with our values.??
• Be clear in your career ambitions and apply only for roles you meet most of the criteria/experience. Do not worry if you cannot tick all the boxes. If you can show experience with most of them and provide examples of transferrable skills, then you know you are applying for the right position.?
• Be open about why you are applying for the role.??
• Be honest about your skills and experience – do not say you can do something if you cannot!?
• If there are a couple of things in a job advert that you have never done before but you are taking steps to bridge these gaps and learn or practice these skills, then tell us. Include practical examples of what you are doing to support your application.??
• Think about how you are going to make an impact if you are offered the role. And what you feel you can bring to it that sets you apart from other candidates. Again, be ready to provide examples during the application or at an interview.??
• Look at the role, imagine you are receiving the application. Would you shortlist yourself? This can help you identify which jobs you should be applying for. And highlight any gaps in your skills and experience that you can take steps to address so you are ready to apply in the future.??
• Be honest with us on geography. We are happy to talk flexible working for most of our roles. There are some that we cannot offer flexibility on location or working patterns for operational reasons. Where this is the case, we will have outlined that in the advert. Please be upfront and honest when submitting your application.?
• Do not rely on AI. AI can be a useful tool to help prompt your thinking and preparation for a job application or interview. But if you want to be successful, you need to do the leg work and research yourself to give yourself the best chance of success.?

We cannot offer a role to every applicant, but please do not be disheartened if your application is not successful. Take on board any feedback that can be used to strengthen your offering so you are in a better position the next time you apply for a role.?

There has never been a more exciting time to join the energy industry. Will you join us on our journey to create a cleaner, greener and more sustainable energy system??

Our careers website contains details of all the roles we are currently recruiting. You can apply on our careers website. Or you can set up job alerts if there is a specific area or role you are looking for.?

Want to know more about how to get a job in clean energy? Listen to our Clean Energy Pod for more advice. It is available on the SSE YouTube channel.?