The foundation of the energy transition
The knowledge and capabilities that empower people to create and sustain the clean energy transformation are at the very heart of the energy transition. But why do we, as one of the UK’s leading providers of energy and sustainable solutions for homes, businesses and entire communities, care so deeply about nurturing these green skills?
The UK’s ambitious goal to become a clean energy superpower isn’t just about reaching zero emissions – it’s about creating purposeful jobs that revitalise communities nationwide. Clean energy already supports around 450,000 jobs across Britain with hundreds of thousands more projected by 2030. And as the sector grows, so does the urgent need for a skilled and adaptable green workforce.
Pride, purpose, and progress
We recently asked more than 2,000 UK school leavers aged 16 to 18 about their future aspirations (based on research conducted on behalf of E.ON by Savanta in July 2025 with 2,007 UK 16-18 year olds).
One in three (34%) young people told us they’re choosing to forgo the traditional university path, opting instead for apprenticeships or direct entry into the workforce. And nearly half (47%) of these respondents are considering alternative routes specifically because they want to work in a green job today, not tomorrow.
Our research reveals something profound: for many young people, pride and purpose eclipse even earning potential when it comes to choosing a career. The number one reason school leavers are drawn to green jobs is the desire to be proud of their work (44%), closely followed by wanting to help the environment (39%). A significant number (16%) would even accept a lower salary if it meant working in a role that supports the planet.
Another major driver for young people choosing apprenticeships over university is the desire to avoid student debt with almost two-thirds (64%) of our respondents citing this as a key motivator. A similar proportion (67%) believe they’ll pick up workplace skills faster through apprenticeships or jobs than through a university degree.
For us, these stats are a clear signal that the education-to-employment pipeline is evolving, and green careers are at the forefront of that change.
Investing in talent and unlocking opportunity
Investing in green skills is not just good business – it’s a matter of social responsibility. We’re incredibly proud to be recognised by The Sunday Times as the ‘Best Place to Work for Young People’ and to be one of the UK’s leading apprenticeship employers.
Through our partnerships with schools, colleges and local governments, such as our initiatives with Coventry City Council and Dudley College’s Net Zero Solutions Hub, we’re helping communities reduce their carbon footprints, learn new skills and unlock opportunities for generations to com
In addition, our Net Zero Training Academy educates 800 people every year, and since 2018, we’ve welcomed over 1,000 apprentices across 100 training programmes, from smart meter installation to heat pump engineering.
We view green jobs in the widest possible context – we’d even go so far as to say that every job at E.ON is a green job. That’s why our commitment to green skills extends beyond technical roles, encompassing degree apprenticeships in finance, project management, quantity surveying and digital marketing. We’re building a diverse talent pipeline to ensure that everyone, from data scientists to supply chain experts, can play their part in the energy transition.
And we’re supporting other organisations in the drive for green skills too. Through levy gifting, we’ve invested close to £1.2 million over the last four years to support the creation of roles within small and medium-sized enterprises across the country, helping to remove barriers and address skills gaps.
This is just the beginning. Our ambition is to see that green skills are accessible and attainable for all, irrespective of background.
Green skills build a better Britain
The journey to a new energy world is about more than technology. It’s about people who are willing to learn, adapt, and lead. We’re not just watching this transformation unfold; we’re actively shaping it and proving that skilled, motivated individuals are the engine of progress.
The energy transition can, and must, work for everyone. By nurturing green skills, we create fair, rewarding jobs, help families and communities thrive, and drive meaningful action on climate.
As Britain builds a greener future, E.ON stands ready to empower the next generation. Because green skills aren’t just about the jobs of tomorrow – they’re about hope, pride, and the power to change the world today.
E.ON are a headline sponsor for the Social Value Conference 2025, and you can join their experts across a variety of panel sessions from the 21st to the 23rd of October. Find out more and buy your tickets today.
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