Renewables

Careers

If you’re seeking a career that keeps you at the forefront of innovation, where technology and communication are constantly evolving, a future in the telecoms industry might be the perfect fit. As one of the fastest-growing sectors, telecoms offers endless opportunities to engage with cutting-edge technologies like 5G, fiber optics, and cloud communications. Whether you're looking to work in engineering, network management, or project coordination, the telecoms sector provides a fast-paced, challenging, and rewarding environment. Consider making the connection with a career that’s always moving forward.

With climate change and energy security being critical global issues, the renewable energy sector has become one of the most promising and rapidly growing industries. For armed forces personnel transitioning to civilian life, a career in renewables offers opportunities that are both rewarding and impactful. Whether you are seeking to utilize your leadership, technical, or logistical skills, the renewables industry could provide an excellent career path after military service.

What’s involved?

Working in the renewables industry involves contributing to the development and implementation of sustainable energy solutions like wind, solar, and hydropower. It requires technical skills in areas such as engineering, project management, and maintenance, as well as problem-solving abilities to optimize energy systems. The industry is focused on innovation and sustainability, making it ideal for individuals passionate about reducing environmental impact and driving the transition to cleaner energy sources.

Why Choose Renewables?

The renewable energy industry is expected to see significant growth over the next decade, creating thousands of new jobs across various roles. The UK's commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 has bolstered government and private sector investment in clean energy technologies such as wind, solar, and tidal energy. This growing demand for green energy solutions means a greater need for skilled professionals to design, install, maintain, and manage renewable energy projects.

How Military Skills Translate

Your military background equips you with a unique skill set highly valued in the renewables sector. Key attributes like problem-solving, leadership, teamwork, discipline, and working under pressure align perfectly with roles in project management, engineering, technical support, and logistics. Additionally, the ability to adapt to new challenges makes ex-service personnel highly sought after in an industry driven by innovation.

Get qualified!

One of the benefits of transitioning into renewables is the range of courses available, some of which assume no prior knowledge or experience. Depending on the role you choose, here are some options:

Technical Training:

• Courses for solar PV panel installation, wind turbine maintenance, biomass systems, and heat pump installations are widely available. These programs typically require foundational qualifications in plumbing or electrical work, but they also offer training tailored to renewable energy.
• If you don't have a technical background, introductory courses are available that can help you work towards becoming a qualified electrician or plumber.

Management Training:

• If you're interested in project management or administration, short courses on renewable energy fundamentals or environmental management could be a good starting point. Many universities and online platforms offer specific degree programs and short certifications in renewable energy management.

Courses for installers

If you are starting from scratch, you can pursue basic qualifications in electrical or plumbing trades and then specialize in renewable energy installations. For example

• Solar PV (Photovoltaic) Installation and Solar Thermal Systems are popular areas where you can focus. These courses typically begin with foundational training, where no prior experience is required. Programs often include practical, hands-on learning to install and maintain systems, with many courses leading to nationally recognized qualifications such as NVQs (GOV.UK, National Energy Action (NEA))

Government-backed training schemes like the Home Decarbonisation Skills Training are also available. These schemes offer subsidized or free courses aimed at upskilling individuals to work in areas like heat pumps, insulation, and retrofit(GOV.UK, GOV.UK)

Additionally, apprenticeship programs, like the newly introduced Low Carbon Heating Technician Apprenticeship, provide practical, on-the-job training in areas like heat pump installation and low-carbon heating systems(GOV.UK)

Courses for non-installers

For those interested in administrative or management roles in the sector, introductory courses are available. For example, the Introduction to Domestic Renewable Low Carbon Technologies course provides a non-technical overview of key renewable technologies such as biomass, heat pumps, and solar PV. This course is ideal for those entering project management, sales, or advisory roles (National Energy Action (NEA))

No prior technical experience is required, but possessing a good understanding of the renewable sector through short courses can make you a more attractive candidate for employers. For higher-level roles, such as project managers or engineers, you might need additional qualifications like a degree or certification in renewable energy or energy management(National Energy Action (NEA), City & Guilds)

Overall, whether you’re technically inclined or more suited to management, there are ample opportunities to upskill with structured training designed to accommodate different entry levels.

Roles for Armed Forces Leavers

There are two primary areas of employment in the renewables industry: technical roles and management/administrative roles. Here’s how you can align your military skills to these roles:

Technical Roles

• Electrician/Plumber/Installer: The installation and maintenance of renewable energy systems, such as solar PV, wind turbines, and biomass boilers, offer a hands-on career. With training, you can qualify as an installer, leveraging your technical skills to ensure efficient energy systems.
• Maintenance and Operations Technician: Armed forces personnel with engineering or mechanical backgrounds will find that roles maintaining wind turbines, solar farms, and bioenergy facilities fit well with their existing knowledge.
• Health & Safety Officer: This role is critical in ensuring that renewable energy projects comply with safety regulations. Experience from the armed forces in enforcing safety protocols is invaluable.

Management and Administrative Roles

• Project Manager: If you’ve been in charge of mission-critical operations in the military, your skills in planning, coordination, and resource management are ideal for managing renewable energy projects. Large-scale renewable projects, such as offshore wind farms, require meticulous project management to stay on track.
• Sales and Procurement: Your skills in negotiation, logistics, and procurement will be highly valuable in managing supply chains for renewable energy projects.
• Office Management/Administrative Roles: If you’ve gained administrative experience in the forces, you can transfer your skills to office management, HR, or procurement roles within renewable energy companies.
• Consulting and Advisory: The renewables industry needs professionals who can advise on energy solutions, sustainability, and compliance with environmental regulations.

RENEWABLES APPRENTICESHIPS
There are many apprenticeship opportunities in the renewables sector, ideal for gaining hands-on experience while earning. Major companies such as EDF, the UK’s largest producer of zero-carbon electricity, offer apprenticeships tailored to renewable energy. You can also explore the UK government’s apprenticeship website or Find Apprenticeships, which allow you to search by sector and location. Or browse the government’s apprenticeship website or Find Apprenticeships, both of which allow you to search for apprenticeship opportunities by area of interest and location.

Translate your skills

RenewableUK offers an extremely useful career mapping tool on its website, which includes information on industry roles, job duties, qualifications, training, experience and skills required, and helps you to visualise how the skills and qualifications you already hold could be mapped across to a new career in the renewables sector. Click here to try it out.

Use your ELC

As a Service leaver, you are eligible for the Enhanced Learning Credits (ELC) scheme, which supports your training at Level 3 or above. Many renewable energy courses, such as those provided by certified trainers in solar PV, wind energy, or project management, qualify under the ELC. Check the ELCAS website for approved providers. For full details of how to make the most of your ELC, refer to the in-depth features elsewhere on the Quest website.

Career Mapping Tool

To help you transition more smoothly, RenewableUK offers a Career Mapping Tool that allows you to match your current military skills to relevant roles in the renewables industry. This tool provides detailed information on the qualifications, duties, and skills required for various jobs in the sector. By using this tool, you can better understand how your existing skills align with a new career in renewables.

Conclusion

The renewable energy sector is an ideal option for armed forces personnel looking for a meaningful and sustainable career post-service. With the right training and qualifications, you can make a smooth transition into an industry that's not only growing but also critical to the future of energy. Whether you're interested in technical work, management, or sales, the renewables industry offers diverse and rewarding opportunities.
For more information, visit RenewableUK and explore their resources, including the career mapping tool and other helpful guides designed to assist service leavers in finding their ideal role in this exciting sector.