In 2025 Energy UK showcased a range of apprentices as they took their first steps into the energy industry. One year on, we caught up with the same people to find out how their apprenticeship has helped to progress their new careers.
A year has passed since you last updated us on your apprenticeship, what are you doing now?
I am now in the final year of my apprenticeship, during which I have gained a significant amount of knowledge and experience. Over the past year, I have completed extensive in-house training, gathered evidence towards my Level 4 NVQ, and worked closely with the mechanical team at Little Barford Power Station, where I am based.
Throughout my apprenticeship, I have had many hands-on opportunities both onsite and during in-house training. These include stripping pumps and motors, building low- and high-pressure pipework, and pressure-testing valves. I have also worked alongside various contractors, gaining experience in ordering parts and coordinating their delivery to site to support maintenance work.
These experiences have helped build my confidence, strengthen my teamwork skills and develop a strong practical understanding of mechanical engineering, which will benefit me greatly in the future.
Throughout my apprenticeship, I have had many hands-on opportunities both onsite and during in-house training.
What’s next for you once you complete your apprenticeship?
My next step is to broaden my understanding of the operational side of a power station. I am pleased to have secured a position as an Operations Technician at Little Barford Power Station. This move will allow me to build on the mechanical knowledge I have gained rather than leave it behind, as I will apply it while cross-skilling across both disciplines.
What advice would you give to those considering an apprenticeship in energy?
My advice is simple: go and do it! The energy sector offers a wide range of opportunities, continuous learning, and clear progression routes. An apprenticeship is highly valuable in this industry, as it combines hands-on experience and technical knowledge in a sector where continuous improvement, maintenance, and development are essential.
February 2025
What is your apprenticeship?
O&M Engineering Technician Apprentice at RWE.
Why did you choose the route of an apprenticeship?
I wanted the opportunities that a paid apprenticeship provides. I enjoy the practical side of things and prefer being on site and getting hands on with the job. It’s very different from being in the classroom.
Now, I can see there are so many women in engineering, and I’ve not been made to feel at all different or out of place.
What skills have you learnt so far during your apprenticeship?
Moving to Bradford for training was a big change and I had to learn how to be independent.
More practically, I’ve learned how to both work independently, but also within a team. Before I started, I wondered what it would be like to be in a working environment from such an early age, and working with all these different people – but everyone has been friendly and helpful and there is a lot of teamwork to solve projects. I’ve also got a lot of fascinating ‘behind the scenes’ insight into how our energy system works.
What has been your highlight of the programme?
Becoming more independent has been a massive personal achievement, which the apprenticeship very much enabled. Another big highlight was getting to Level 4 in engineering, where I also earned a distinction.
What has been the biggest challenge you have had to overcome?
My initial concerns related to being a young female in the energy industry. I thought it was going to be a daunting process, as it is sometimes thoughts of as being ‘male dominated’. Now, I can see there are so many women in engineering, and I’ve not been made to feel at all different or out of place.
Has anyone stood out as being particularly influential on your apprenticeship journey?
There has really been a lot of support on site, particularly from previous apprentices who have gone onto full time roles. My mentor has also been a great help, but generally everyone else has as well.
Have there been any unexpected opportunities that have arisen as a result of your apprenticeship?
The apprenticeship provided me with different levels of work compared to what I would have experienced at school.
What are your goals for the future?
I want to work my way up within RWE and maybe even go on to get a degree because I want to stay in the company as mechanical technician.
What advice would you like to give to applicants who are interested in an apprenticeship?
Go for it! Apply and get it done as it helps you get your career ready at a young age. A lot of people are scared, but if you want to build your career an apprenticeship is the best way to do it. You get the practical experience that you need in the job market.
Energy UK will continue to shine a light on apprenticeships as one of the most powerful tools for building a skilled, diverse and motivated energy workforce. You can find more examples of successful apprentices via our Jobs In Energy resource, which also demonstrates the benefits of working in the sector, lists apprenticeships offered by Energy UK members, and links to other useful sites where you can find open apprenticeship schemes.
We also publish case study collections demonstrating how apprenticeships are driving the energy transition and ways that Energy UK members are building the workforce for our future energy system. If you have a case study showcasing innovative work within the sector, please get in touch via press@energy-uk.org.uk.
Interested in starting a career in energy?
For the country to reach Net Zero, the energy industry will need all the people it can get – from all kinds of backgrounds, with a diverse range of skills.
A job in energy could mean anything from a nuclear engineering apprenticeship, to working in customer service for a retail energy company, or a role at a tech startup – so you might not know where to start.
The Young Energy Professionals (YEP) Forum has created this guide to help you find the right route into a job in energy.
