- 95% of Young Energy Professionals (YEPs) say they’re likely to stay in the sector
- Most YEPs cite addressing climate change/achieving Net Zero as main motivation for joining the industry
- Awareness of careers and clear pathways remain bigger barriers than other factors
- Most YEPs (61%) have never considered an apprenticeship, yet 100% of apprentices interviewed said they would recommend it as a career path
A new report from the Young Energy Professionals Forum has revealed that the early-stage workforce is committed to staying in the sector, but that employers need to do better at communicating the opportunities available and supporting those starting their careers.
The Young Energy Professionals Forum, which is sponsored by NESO (National Energy System Operator), is a free-to-join network for people who have been working in the energy sector for fewer than ten years. The second edition of its Meeting the Challenge Report shows that their satisfaction working in the sector is high, with 95% of those surveyed “likely” to stay in the sector for at least five years, and 63% “very likely” – a significant increase from the initial report.
However, the report also reveals that the biggest barriers to those entering the energy industry are a lack of awareness about the range of roles available, as well as uncertainty about the required skills and qualifications.
The report sought the views of around 350 YEPs from around the country, giving a crucial insight into the motivations and experiences of people at the start of their energy careers. It also investigates the skills gaps they face and the barriers that could prevent them from pursuing a career in this growing sector.
Climate action once again remains the main reason why people join the industry, which is particularly significant for prospective employers, as climate motivated young professionals are around 40% less likely to want to leave the energy sector within five years.
The report also reveals that the biggest barrier to entering the energy sector isn’t pay, values or skills, but rather a lack of awareness about what jobs exist – something which is far worse outside London and among state educated respondents.
The report was launched at an event on Wednesday evening, kindly sponsored by iNHouse Communications.
Pippa Heylings MP and Liberal Democrat spokesperson for Energy Security and Net Zero, said:
“This report is hugely encouraging. It shows that young energy professionals are not only committed to the sector, but are driven by a real sense of purpose to tackle the climate crisis. They are the workforce who will power the just transition and create the green jobs our future economy depends on. But we must match that ambition by making it far clearer how to get into the sector, with stronger pathways, better careers advice, and opportunities available right across the country.
“The findings on apprenticeships are a real wake-up call. At a time when we need to rapidly grow our skilled workforce, we cannot afford for these routes to be overlooked. A just transition means opening up this industry to everyone, in every community. With the right leadership from Government and industry, we can unlock that talent and ensure the benefits of the green transition are shared by all.”
Juliette Sanders, Chief Communications Officer at Energy UK, which acts as the secretariat of the YEP Forum, said:
“This report serves as a timely reminder that the future of our sector depends on the opportunities we create for young energy professionals today.
“It’s great to once again see such strong commitment to the sector. The energy industry has a lot to offer people of all backgrounds – long-term, well-paid jobs with a real purpose, right across the country, and we know companies already work hard to offer a variety of ways to enter the sector – from apprenticeships and graduate roles to training and upskilling people from other sectors.
“But this report shows that we must improve awareness of these roles and provide clarity on how to access them in order to build the diverse, highly skilled workforce we need to maintain the energy system for decades to come.”
This year, the report also looked in detail at apprenticeships, including interviews to complement the data, and found these are a key but under-promoted pathway into the sector.
The vast majority (88%) of former apprentices remain on the same career path and rate highly the long-term value of their apprenticeship – and are 20% more likely to say they’re very likely to stay in the sector. All apprentices that were interviewed would recommend the route – yet 61% of all YEPs, rising to 83% in London, never even considered one. The report calls for a clearer, more tailored approach to attract young people into long-term careers.
Isabella Oratore, Co-Chair of the Young Energy Professionals Forum, said:
“Young energy professionals are essential to the future of the UK’s energy sector. This report uncovers what drives people to start and continue their careers in energy.
“By adding an additional focus this year for the first time on young energy apprentices, we hope to provide the industry with insights to ensure it can attract and retain the number of workers needed, as well as supporting all people at the start of their energy careers.”
The YEP Forum will continue its work in promoting and supporting those at the start of their energy careers. Its 2025 Annual Report outlines how the YEP Forum organised a series of site visits, networking events and other initiatives last year, while the free-to-enter YEP Awards will open shortly for nominations ahead of the annual ceremony in November.
Notes to Editors
- Energy UK is the trade association for the energy industry, representing companies investing billions of pounds to secure our country’s current and future energy needs. From growing start-ups to major electricity generators, grid and infrastructure developers and energy suppliers, our members are driving change across power, heat, transport and flexibility. We champion initiatives such as our Vulnerability Commitment, which pushes suppliers to go beyond regulation to support customers with additional needs, and TIDE, the industry’s drive for greater inclusion and diversity. Through our Young Energy Professionals Forum, with more than 3,000 members representing 350 organisations, we support the development of future leaders.
- The Young Energy Professionals (YEP) Forum is a community to promote and inspire the next generation of energy industry leaders, providing opportunities to connect, develop and recognise success. Sponsored by NESO and free to join, we have more than 3,000 members from across 350 different organisations. We run insightful events and initiatives throughout the year which cover the whole spectrum of the energy sector – from panel sessions and interviews with the sector’s senior leaders, to networking receptions, informal social events and site visits to some of GBs most significant energy infrastructure facilities. Check out our Annual Report from 2024 for more on what we got up to last year.