Solar Careers UK: Building the Workforce for the UK’s Clean Energy Future
The UK’s solar industry is preparing for a massive scale-up. With government targets pushing for nearly 60GW of installed capacity by 2030, the sector is set to deliver thousands of new jobs in the next few years. But with demand for skilled workers already far outstripping supply, the challenge is clear: where will those workers come from?
Solar Energy UK believes it has part of the answer. This month, the trade body has launched Solar Careers UK - a new online platform designed to connect training providers, employers and jobseekers across the solar power and battery energy storage industries.
A central hub for green careers
The new site - solarcareersuk.org - aims to become the go-to destination for anyone interested in joining the sector. It brings together job listings, training opportunities, career guidance and industry insights in one place.
“Our vision is clear: to guide every person possible into solar careers,” says Sturge Mazzocchi, Head of Solar Careers UK. That mission rests on three pillars:
- Promoting career opportunities - raising awareness of the range of roles in solar and storage.
- Supporting recruitment - helping employers connect with talent.
- Promoting training opportunities - boosting workforce skills to meet future demand.
Closing the green skills gap
The launch comes at a critical moment. The UK’s “green skills gap” is well-documented: renewable energy employers consistently report difficulty finding workers with the right mix of skills and qualifications. As Chris Hewett, Chief Executive of Solar Energy UK, puts it:
“Solar energy and batteries are among the fastest-growing sectors in the UK – and indeed globally. We need a skilled and diverse workforce to bring this affordable, homegrown energy to UK consumers and businesses.”
Solar Careers UK is intended as a “gateway” - providing clear, accessible routes into new careers for people from all backgrounds and levels of experience. The platform’s focus on inclusivity includes targeted outreach to underrepresented groups and breaking down barriers to entry.
What the platform offers
The site’s features are aimed at a wide audience - from school leavers to experienced professionals considering a career change. Key offerings include:
- Training and Education Resources: Details on accredited courses, qualifications and recognised providers.
- Career Pathways: Step-by-step guidance on routes to competence, from on-the-job training to certification.
- Events and Fairs: Updates on regional careers fairs, webinars and networking opportunities - including the successful Recruitment Zone at Solar & Storage Live events.
- Job Descriptions: Written by industry experts, detailing the skills, qualifications and attributes required.
- Vacancy Listings: Live links to employer job pages, with roles from solar PV roofer to design engineer.
- Video Interviews: First-hand accounts from people working in the sector.
Earlier this year, the Solar Careers Hub event at South Thames College brought together jobseekers and employers for interviews, demos and talks. Roles on offer ranged from entry-level positions to senior engineering posts with salaries up to £70,000.
Part of a wider roadmap
The initiative ties into the skills agenda of the Government–industry Solar Roadmap, which commits to running regional careers fairs and providing guidance on entering the sector. It complements work by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, the Department for Work and Pensions, and the Department for Education and Skills England.
A call to action
For Mazzocchi, the message is simple:
“Whether you’re a young person exploring your first career or someone looking to retrain for a more sustainable future, Solar Careers UK is here to help.”
As the UK accelerates its clean energy transition, the sector’s success will depend as much on people as on technology. With Solar Careers UK, the industry now has a dedicated platform to build that workforce - one skilled hire at a time.
Visit: www.solarcareersuk.org