The energy industry must recruit around 208,000 skilled people in the next eight years.
That’s according to energy firm SSE, which claims around half of the sector’s workforce are expected to retire by 2023.
It is warning of a skills shortage and calling on businesses to invest in apprentices now to ensure the UK has the skilled workforce needed to deliver major investment required for the future.
The Big Six supplier’s research found investing in apprentices reaps rewards for the economy, contributing £4.29 for every £1 invested.
John Stewart, SSE Director of Human Resources said: “We’re boosting our apprentice numbers by 20%, investing £11.68 million – an average of £80,000 per trainee – to recruit and train the workforce of the future. What’s more, apprenticeship programmes work for the country as well as young people and business.”
SSE offers apprenticeship prorgrammes lasting three to four years in different areas ranging from contracting, power distribution and generation to home services.
The National Apprenticeship Week starts today.