Energy (including renewables)

• Norfolk and Suffolk together are a leading producer of clean energy in the UK and up to 27,000 new job opportunities could be created by 2030¹⁰. With a mix of onshore and offshore renewables, gas and nuclear generation plus emerging opportunities in hydrogen, the area will play a leading role in decarbonising the country’s electricity grid by 2035.
• Around 11,800 people work in offshore energy (windfarms) across Norfolk and Suffolk¹¹ and we can expect to see significant job growth in offshore wind here in the future; Dogger Bank is expected to be the world’s largest offshore windfarm when it is completed in 2026. 
• As well as energy generation, we can also expect to see a growth in energy storage, battery technologies and waste management. 
• A new £20 million renewable energy business park in Wymondham near Norwich could create over 300 jobs in research and development companies related to sustainable energy generation.
• Many of Norfolk’s energy businesses operate around the world in places like Africa, USA, Canada, the Middle East, Russia, Asia and Scandinavia; people with STEM skills are in high demand.

(¹⁰New Anglia LEP ¹¹Norfolk and Suffolk Unlimited)

• Analytical skills
• Design
• Advanced digital skills
• ICT skills
• Maths
• Problem solving
• Leadership
• Teamwork
• Attention to detail
• Communication

• English
• Business studies
• Physics
• Maths
• Chemistry
• Computer science
• Languages
• Design & technology

• EDF Energy – Sizewell B/C
• National Grid
• Perenco
• Orbis Energy
• Seajacks
• Aquaterra Energy
• University of East Anglia
• Equinor
• Shell
• Worley
• Vattenfall
• Gardline Marine Sciences
• Hydra Rig
• Scottish Power Renewables
• Dudgeon Offshore Wind Farm

• Wind turbine technician                        £19,300-£46,350
• Chemical process operative                 £19,500-£43,100
• Environment professional                     £24,850-£43,400+
• Renewable energy engineer                 £32,200-£51,000+
• Mechanical engineer                             £27,100-£62,500
• Electronics engineer                              £25,000-£60,000+
• Research and development manager   £30,100-£53,250+

(from the Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings 2021)

Employers are looking for people who have good GCSE grades in maths and English. Science and technology subjects will also help you to get into this sector and keep your career options open.

Options at 16

A levels – physics, chemistry, maths or computer science may be looked for when applying for higher education STEM courses or apprenticeships; depending on the course or employer, subjects such as geography and geology may also be accepted.

Apprenticeship - A range of construction and engineering-related apprenticeships could lead to work or further study for this sector. Entry requirements vary so check before you apply. These are just a few:

Intermediate apprenticeship (level 2)

• Engineering operative
• Welder
• Nuclear operative

Advanced Apprenticeship (level 3)

• Installation electrician
• Marine electrician
• Maintenance and operations engineering technician
• Engineering design and draughtsperson
• Gas network operative
• Metal fabricator

T levels and other vocational qualifications (for example a BTEC) in engineering, manufacturing, construction, or design and technology can prepare you for work in a range of careers in this sector or further study or training.

Options at 18 or 19

Undergraduate degree - Degree-level qualifications are highly sought after in this sector; some careers require further training or postgraduate study such as chartered engineer. Many large employers run graduate programmes which offer placements in a variety of careers and locations. A degree in a broad subject such as physics, chemistry, computer science or an earth science may also be acceptable for gaining engineering status depending on the area you want to go into.

Apprenticeship - The higher and degree apprenticeships vacancy listing is a good source of openings with large employers in this sector, it usually comes out towards the end of the year. Start looking when applications become open and check entry requirements carefully - competition can be high for some apprenticeships. Examples include:

• Commissioning technician (electrical power)(level 4)
• Science industry process and plant engineer (level 6 degree apprenticeship)
• Nuclear engineer (level 6 degree apprenticeship)
• Electronic systems principle engineer (level 7)
• Power and propulsion gas turbine engineer (level 7)
• Geotechnical engineer (level 7 degree apprenticeship)

Gaining experience

Work experience, a paid job or voluntary work can improve your chances of finding a job in this sector; being able to demonstrate a genuine interest in the subject will also help when applying for an apprenticeship or degree course.