This “overwhelmingly” exceeds any other perceived barrier, with respondents also citing a low number of entry-level roles and a lack of understanding of the skills or qualifications needed, with the researchers suggesting that a “foundational information gap” exists.
Around 350 young energy professionals were surveyed across the UK for the research, which was published by the Young Energy Professionals Forum. It also found that 95% are “likely” to stay in the sector for at least five years, and 63% “very likely”.
Climate action is the main reason why they joined the industry, which is particularly significant for prospective employers, as climate-motivated young professionals are around 40% less likely to want to leave the energy sector within five years.
"The future of our sector depends on the opportunities we create for young energy professionals today," said Juliette Sanders, chief communications officer at Energy UK, which acts as the secretariat of the Young Energy Professionals Forum.
“The energy industry has a lot to offer people of all backgrounds – long-term, well-paid jobs with a real purpose, right across the country. We must improve awareness of these roles and provide clarity on how to access them in order to build the diverse, highly skilled workforce we need to maintain the energy system for decades to come.”
The research also involved a focus on apprenticeships, including interviews to complement the data, and found these are a key but under-promoted pathway into the sector.
Indeed, 88% of former apprentices remain on the same career path and rate the long-term value of their apprenticeship highly – and are 20% more likely to say they’re very likely to stay in the sector.
All apprentices that were interviewed would recommend the route – yet 61% of all young energy professionals survey, rising to 83% in London, never even considered one. The researchers called for a “clearer, more tailored approach” to attract young people into long-term careers.
Pippa Heylings, Liberal Democrat spokesperson for energy security and net zero, described the findings on apprenticeships as "a real wake-up call".
"At a time when we need to rapidly grow our skilled workforce, we cannot afford for these routes to be overlooked," she continued. "A just transition means opening up this industry to everyone, in every community. With the right leadership from government and industry, we can unlock that talent and ensure the benefits of the green transition are shared by all.”
Image credit: Shutterstock
Chris Seekings is the Deputy Editor of ISEP’s Transform magazine, which is published biomonthly for ISEP members. Chris’s role involves writing sustainability-related news, features and interviews, as well as helping to plan and manage the magazine’s other day-to-day activities.
