For National Careers Week 2026 Energy UK is showcasing some of its own team members and how they have built careers in energy. Whestly Dio, IT Manager at Energy UK, explains his journey across multiple roles and how the energy industry offers a wide range of opportunities for all entrants.
Tell us about your current role and what excites you about it
I’m the IT Manager at Energy UK. It’s a busy role that allows me to work with various teams at Energy UK and our members on a day-to-day basis. It’s not just telling people to try turning it off and on again – although it happens, a lot!
I can be working on general IT support, events audio and visual tech support, website maintenance, cyber security – it’s definitely varied.
How long have you worked in the energy industry and how did you get into the sector?
Almost 18 years! I fell into the sector by accident. I joined Energy UK as a temp covering reception and general admin and after a year I was given the opportunity to move into generation policy. It was a big step up for me in an area that I was unfamiliar with, but it was made easier because I had the trust and support of my colleagues. I was then able to move into IT support, which was my ideal position.
What attracted you into the energy sector?
It’s an exciting sector to be working in because there is so much innovation. In my time so far at Energy UK I’ve seen massive changes in the sector, like phasing out coal and moving toward low carbon energy.
What is one thing you don’t think people know about working in energy?
There’s so many different parts to the energy sector. It doesn’t matter what your specialty is or what you graduated with, there are always opportunities to work in the sector.
It doesn’t matter what your specialty is or what you graduated with, there are always opportunities to work in the sector.
What comes to mind as the highlight of your career so far?
Being involved with the start of the Young Energy Professionals Forum. I was given a lot of responsibility to organise forum meetings, liaise with our keynote speakers, help organise site visits and our first YEP Awards. I am immensely proud of my time working on the forum and watching how it has grown from strength to strength every year.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
When you’re just starting out, don’t be afraid to ask questions. There is a wealth of experience in the sector, and many are more than happy to help, advise and give insight!
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.
