Energy
Help power the country by joining the energy industry. Energy is one of Scotland's fastest growing industries. With reliance on renewable energy increasing, there are even more exciting new opportunities to get involved.
The impact you could make
- Heat the country using environmentally friendly resources such as solar, wind and wave power.
- Use renewable energy innovation to deliver low carbon energy solutions that will power our communities and economy.
- Join nearly 4,500 Modern Apprentices in energy and engineering roles.
The opportunities within energy
The energy industry is now shifting towards using renewable energy sources and digital technologies to have more of a positive impact on the environment.
Employment
The energy industry currently employs 98,300.
Job availability
Between 2021 and 2024, up to 4,900 more jobs will be created across the sector. By 2050, the National Grid estimates Scotland will need 50,000 jobs.
Job diversity
The Offshore Wind Sector Deal is helping to increase the number of women employed in energy roles. At least one third of the energy workforce will identify as women by 2030, compared to just 16% in 2018.
*Skills Sector Assessment 2021
I've been lucky to be able to use the skills I've gained from work to apply them to my own little projects.
This is research and development that hasn't been done before in the way that we're doing it.
Finlay
Blades Manager, Orbital Marine Power
Explore energy jobs
We’ve pulled out some of the popular energy jobs for you to explore.
Some things you may not know about energy
Scotland generated 97.4% of its electricity demand from renewables in 2020.
Oil and gas will continue to play a critical role in our energy mix up until 2040.
In 2019, there were 22,660 full-time employees working in renewable energy in Scotland.
What subjects to take
We’ve pulled together some examples of subjects that could be useful for getting into a career in energy.
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Engineering FA
- Graphic Communication
- Design & Manufacture
- Maths
For most jobs, you might not need specific subjects. If your school does not provide all of these subjects or you're just unsure — do not worry. There are many more subjects you can explore by using the Option Choices tool or speaking to your careers adviser in your school.
What routes you can take
There are different options you can choose from after school. We’ve pulled together some of them to help you decide which is best for you.
Energy industry partners
Many organisations are supporting Scotland's transition to renewable energy. Find out what partners in the energy industry are doing to make sure we have the right skills.
Scottish Renewables
Scottish Renewables are the voice of our renewable energy industry. Their vision is for Scotland to become world-leading in renewable energy.
Energy and Utility Skills
Energy and Utilities bring industry leaders together to address the skills challenges the sector faces.
ESP (Energy Skills Partnership)
ESP works with Scotland's colleges and industry partners to improve skills within Scotland's workforce.
My Energy Future
Help shape the future of energy. Explore energy careers, hear from energy influencers, discover useful resources and more.