Career Advice - Information and advice about a career in energy
People often comment on the excitement of working in the energy sector. It is a dynamic industry, where hard graft, team work and an understanding of social and environmental responsibilities is expected, and rewarded. It is also an industry that offers excellent training for men and women alike and, for many of the top jobs, good opportunities to spend time abroad. The energy industry is so wide and varied and so critical to our everyday lives that it offers an interesting career choice to anyone whether your interest is in the arts or the science, a job in the energy industry can cater for everyone. In the UK alone approximately 135,000 people are employed directly in the energy industry but there are probably another 500,000 or so whose jobs support the industry. It is an area that continues to make rapid technological advances all the time and can offer exciting prospects to the most highly skilled and qualified engineers, scientists and technicians. The variety of jobs is endless and opportunities exist to work pretty much anywhere in the world. All sectors of the industry have a part to play in providing us with secure and sustainable supply of energy in the future. New ways to make existing supplies last longer, as well as research and development into new ones, must combine in our long-term move to a world less dependent on carbon-based fuels. The EI’s 2008 Skills Survey resulted in key commitments by the partners involved in the research to promote the industry as a whole and in particular as a valuable and rewarding career path to present an accurate image of the industry to attract more entrants and encourage the take up of careers. To liaise with relevant stakeholders to promote and implement workforce development initiatives and leadership skills programmes – providing relevant and high standard training courses as well as professional recognition and chartered status. Help enable transfer of knowledge from retiring workforce to new entrants – for example, through mentoring programmes. To act as a bridge between industry and academia through the accreditation of courses, support of student’s placements, mentoring programmes and the provision of networking opportunities. For more information go to the EI's EnergyZone.
