Future Workforce
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Pathways to Decarbonisation Careers →
Want to work in a sector that is actively finding the solutions to achieve net zero? If the answer is yes, then working for industry could be the answer.
Whilst also being part of the net zero solution, working in industry offers a huge variety of entry points, job roles and flexible career progression. Additionally, the demand for jobs in industry is growing due to the need to decarbonise industrial emissions. This means opportunities for skilled workers for decades to come.
If you are interested in working in this sector, below are only a handful of roles that are needed to achieve industrial decarbonisation.
Engineers →
Engineers
Like solving problems? Engineers and engineering technicians will play a hugely vital role in the transition to net zero. Chemical, mechanical, electrical and civil engineers are required to design the processes and infrastructure needed to decarbonise industrial processes and modify existing technologies. These roles are already in high demand so there are plenty of opportunities out there.
Pathways
Apprenticeships:
Technical Colleges:
HNCs/HNDs /BTECs – Engineering disciplines
University:
A degree in mechanical, chemical, process, electrical or civil engineering.
Engineering Technicians, Construction and Operators →
Engineering Technicians, Construction and Operators
With industrial plants and manufacturing factories adapting to meet net zero targets, there is a huge drive to install new infrastructure over the coming decades. This vital role lies with skilled tradespeople (electricians, mechanics, welders) and plant operators to test, install, maintain, repair and decommission industrial facilities. With an increase in demand for specific industry trade skills, opportunities exist to adapt expertise beyond the domestic trades and progress to large-scale operations with bigger and more complex challenges.
Pathways
Apprenticeships:
Technical Colleges:
HNCs/HNDs /BTECs – Engineering disciplines
Environmental Scientist →
Environmental Scientist
Care about the environment and want to see these technologies deployed safely? Environmental scientists and specialists apply their expertise of the natural sciences to safeguard the natural environment and human health. They work with industry to reduce waste, compile environmental data on air, soil and water to track emissions, and advise policymakers.
Pathways
Apprenticeships:
Some apprenticeships can be available for environmental technicians. See national government websites.
University:
A degree in Environmental Science, Geography, Natural Sciences.
Project Manager →
Project Manager
With many decarbonisation projects happening at the same time and the time pressures to achieve net zero, there is a demand for project managers to ensure projects run on time and are effective in reducing emissions, whilst maximising outputs. Project managers coordinate and supervise a wide variety of projects from start to finish, including the building of all types of industrial structures. You can also become a project manager from engineering pathways.
Pathways
Apprenticeships:
Project manager apprenticeships are offered by various providers depending on where you live in the UK. See national government websites.
Technical Colleges:
HNCs/HNDs/BTECs – Management and Leadership
University:
A degree in Management (can also be termed Construction Management, Business Management or Logistics Management)
Legal →
Legal
To meet ambitious emissions reduction targets, more regulations, standards and environmental protections are required and should be implemented by industry. Therefore, legal services provide a vital role in rolling out the transition in a fair and safe way. Lawyers and legal assistants provide advice, research and representation for businesses and government agencies to draw up contracts and ensure environmental considerations and workplace regulation are adhered to.
Pathways
Apprenticeships:
Legal apprenticeships are offered by various providers depending on where you live in the UK. See national government websites
University:
Studying a degree in law is the sure-fire way of getting into environmental law or industry law.
Computer Programmer/ Numerical Modeller/Data Scientist →
Computer Programmer/ Numerical Modeller/Data Scientist
Want to use your coding or numerical skills to solve real life challenges? With automation providing more efficient ways to work, there is industry demand for computer programmers, numerical modellers and data scientists to harness these new technologies in order to decarbonise.
Pathways
Apprenticeships:
IT apprenticeships are commonly available (e.g. data analyst, infrastructure technician, network engineer, artificial intelligence, software developer) and are offered by various providers depending on where you live in the UK. See national government websites.
Technical Colleges:
HNCs/HNDs/BTECs – Courses are readily available and include: Machine learning, Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, Coding & Logic for Infrastructure
University:
A degree in Artificial Intelligence, Mathematics, Computer Engineering/Science
General information about Energy Careers →
General information about Energy Careers:
Research Programme →
Find out more about our whole systems approach to accelerate industrial decarbonisation.
