Research by the National Grid has revealed that the UK needs to fill 400,000 jobs in order to achieve net-zero by 2050. A career that tackles climate change has become the second most popular choice for 18 to 24-year-olds, and the section must draw on young talent to build the needed workforce.

Developing yoni talent though apprenticeship programmes will be crucial for building the workforce required to deliver the UK’s ambitious climate change targets. The National Grid has recently welcomed 63 apprentices in its January 2021 intake, which will help them realise their ambitions for a career that contributes to a clean energy future.

The National Grid’s Building The Net Zero Energy Workforce report highlighted 400,000 roles that need to be filled across the energy sector to achieve net-zero by 2050. According to the research, many people want a career that helps the planet, and that for young adults aged 18-24 in particular, a job that involves tackling climate change would be one of their top choices.  

During the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has seen young people face one of the toughest job markets for generations, there is a huge opportunity to support and leverage motivated young minds through apprenticeship programmes and help the UK reach its climate goals.

Dan Tingle, New Talent and STEM manager at National Grid, said: “The green skills deficit is a huge challenge for the energy industry and needs to be plugged quickly if we are to develop capabilities needed for a clean energy future. We know many young people are motivated by climate change and are more passionate than ever about tackling the issue.”

He explained that apprenticeships will be key to building a net-zero workforce, and the UK needs recruits from diverse background to help bring fresh ideas and solutions to the challenges of achieving net-zero.

He added that the National Grid is proud to be continuing its apprenticeship programmes during the pandemic, as it provides training and development that is vital for achieving a greener society and helping the UK build back better.

Sally-Anne Dudley, UK Head of Learning at National Grid, said: “Apprenticeships can foster and shape the skills needed for a green energy future through a mix of studying and hands-on experience, transforming the interest young people have in tackling climate change into a reality.”

She said that apprenticeship schemes will provide learners with a path to a meaningful career, and provide the right environment for apprentices to become the civil, mechanical and electrical engineers or data analysts of tomorrow.

New roles linked to electric vehicles, hydrogen and carbon capture technology will also emerge as the journey to net-zero evolves, and these too could benefit from the mindset and motivation of today’s youth.

National Grid delivers a range of technical and leadership programmes at its Training Centre based in Eakring and was the first apprenticeship provider to be rated ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted for three consecutive years.

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