For National Careers Week 2026 Energy UK is showcasing some of its own team members and how they have built careers in energy. Alexander Gray, who joined Energy UK in summer 2022 as Deputy Director for External Affairs, explains his journey into energy and shares why its such an important industry to work in.
Tell us about your current role and what excites you about it
I’m in the communications team focused mainly on what’s happening in politics and why that matters for energy. Energy UK represents almost the entire energy sector, and my role reflects that. One day I might be visiting a major piece of critical infrastructure, the next I could be speaking to charities about the real-life impacts of energy on the people they work with. It’s a hugely wide-ranging role where almost every day presents a new challenge.
How long have you worked in the energy industry and how did you get into the sector?
I’ve been in the sector almost ten years now and fell in completely by accident. Having taken a more political route through the early part of my career, my first ‘dip’ into the sector was working at EDF. There I worked across the retail, renewables and nuclear businesses, basically focussed on a combination of helping customers and dealing with massive bits of impressive infrastructure. I’ve happily become a real energy nerd since.
What attracted you into the energy sector?
Initially it was the fact that energy impacts everything, from the price of tomatoes to the daily ability for people to heat their homes. The simple act of turning on the lights without worry of supply issues is backed up by hundreds of thousands of people working all around the UK in various roles building bits of kits to transfer electricity and gas around the country – it fascinates me.
Energy impacts everything, from the price of tomatoes to the daily ability for people to heat their homes.
What is one thing you don’t think people know about working in energy?
Just how passionate the people working in the sector are, and how collegiate it is. I’ve only worked across a few sectors, but energy really stands out as being one that people are so proud to work in.
What comes to mind as the highlight of your career so far?
I’m an infrastructure and nuclear power geek so any time I go see massive projects it blows my mind. The construction site down at Hinkley Point C is something you will not believe until you see it in person, and a recent visit to the UK’s nuclear fusion research site was incredible. Part of the privilege of working in communications is you get to work with and celebrate some of the country’s most impressive and fascinating people doing amazing things.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Work is a game you will never win and it never ends, so why do everything as fast as possible? Slow down a bit and enjoy the journey.
Energy UK will continue to shine a light on the varied careers seen across the energy industry and how we are working to attract and build a skilled, diverse and motivated energy workforce. You can find more information and examples of successful apprentices via our Jobs In Energy resource, which demonstrates the benefits of working in the sector.
We also publish case study collections demonstrating how Energy UK members are building the workforce for our future energy system and delivering opportunities for apprenticeships to drive the energy transition. 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.
