Whether starting out, changing career, returning to work or looking for a new opportunity, people need clear information, relatable experiences and visible routes into the energy sector.
For the past six months, Destination Energy, launched as part of the Clean Energy Jobs Plan in collaboration with the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero in April, has been helping prospective entrants understand where their skills could fit, learn about the breadth of careers available and connect with employers and people already working across energy and utilities.
Sitting at the heart of Energy & Utility Skills’ Skills Strategy 2025–2030, it responds to the sector’s need for 312,000 new people by 2030.
As Connie Pawsey, a Level 3 Low Carbon Heating Technician Apprentice at Rendesco, explains:
“The energy sector offers huge opportunities for people from all backgrounds and experiences. My own route into the industry wasn’t traditional, but it has allowed me to build valuable skills, learn from experienced professionals and contribute to the transition to a low-carbon future. Campaigns like Destination Energy are important because they help people see the different pathways available and understand that there is a place for them in the sector.”
Connie’s experience reflects the wider purpose of Destination Energy: making careers across the sector more visible, accessible and achievable for people from different backgrounds and at different stages of their working lives.
Through its case studies and employer stories, the campaign is bringing careers to life across engineering, sustainability, policy, operations, digital technology, data, network infrastructure and low-carbon heating. These first-hand experiences help prospective entrants understand different roles and see how apprenticeships, graduate programmes, career changes and transferable skills can lead to rewarding careers.
Reaching people at different stages of their careers
Destination Energy is designed to demonstrate that there is no single route into the industry. Through webinars, careers content, employer insights and personal stories, it has reached school leavers, apprentices, graduates, Armed Forces personnel, career changers and people exploring new opportunities within the sector.
Polling during one campaign webinar demonstrated this breadth of interest. Of 96 participants, 41% were considering a career change and 31% were just starting their careers. Attendees highlighted the variety and accessibility of opportunities, progression routes, transferable skills and the chance to contribute to a positive environmental future.
Six months of reach and engagement
Since launching in April, Destination Energy has delivered six webinars covering entry-level careers, school-leaver routes, Armed Forces transitions, career changes and routes into clean energy.
Together, the sessions have attracted more than 1,900 registrations and almost 700 live attendees. Webinar recordings have received a further 744 views, allowing audiences to continue accessing practical guidance and first-hand experiences beyond the live sessions.
More than 20 speakers from organisations including the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), Offshore Wind Industry Council (OWIC), Siemens Energy, SSE, National Grid, National Gas, Energy Networks Association (ENA), E.ON and Rendesco have contributed to the programme.
From apprentices and graduates to senior leaders, policy experts and workforce specialists, speakers have shared honest experiences, practical advice and insight into the skills and roles employers need. Together, they have brought the breadth of careers available across the sector to life.
Alongside the webinar programme, campaign content has been displayed more than 1.3 million times across social media. Careers content, employer insights and personal stories have helped people understand where their skills fit, while Destination Energy directed hundreds of visitors to employer, industry and careers websites between May and September.
Stephen Barrett, Director of Membership and Strategic Engagement at Energy & Utility Skills, said:
“In just six months, Destination Energy has helped connect thousands of people with opportunities across the clean energy sector while bringing together employers, government and industry partners around a shared workforce challenge.
The campaign is demonstrating that there is no single route into energy, with opportunities available across engineering, sustainability, digital, operations, policy and many other professions. As we continue to grow the campaign, collaboration across the sector will remain essential to attracting the skilled and diverse workforce needed to deliver the UK’s clean energy future.”
Rob Thompson, Managing Director – Design & Advisory, Freedom said:
“One of the most powerful aspects of Destination Energy is its ability to connect people directly with employers and those already working in the sector. By sharing honest experiences, practical advice and real opportunities, we’re helping future talent understand where their skills fit, while supporting employers to reach new audiences and build a broader, more diverse talent pipeline.”
Continuing to connect talent with opportunity
Building on the progress made during its first six months, Destination Energy will continue to raise the profile of the sector and its careers, equip prospective entrants with practical information and connect employers with the talent needed to deliver the UK’s clean energy ambitions.
The next Destination Energy webinar takes place during Graduate Week on 21 October, exploring graduate roles, entry routes and career-development opportunities across energy and utilities. Register for the webinar here.
To explore career stories, watch previous webinars, register for upcoming events and discover opportunities across the sector, visit the Destination Energy website.
The continued success of Destination Energy depends on collaboration. Employers, industry bodies and stakeholders can support the campaign by sharing career stories, providing speakers, promoting opportunities and contributing expertise.
If your organisation can help inspire future talent and strengthen the sector’s workforce, contact collaborate@euskills.co.uk to get involved.
