Energy

So, what's it all about?

Here's a tip for next time you play Monopoly: don't bother with the utilities (the Water Works and Electric Company). Even if you own both, you only earn ten times the value of the dice, which is a maximum of £120. Your opponent will disdainfully hand it over in £5 notes and wait for you to land on their Mayfair hotel.

In the real world, though, it's a different story. How many people do you know who stay in hotels on Mayfair? Right. And how many people do you know who live in houses with water and electricity? Exactly.

Every single one of us depends on energy and utilities like electricity, water and gas. We take it for granted that water will come out of the tap, that our shower will be hot and the lights won't suddenly go out and plunge us into darkness. But making it all happen is an incredible feat. Believe it or not, it doesn't happen by magic.

Keeping all these powerful forces in check isn't easy either. Take gas, for example. It hates being in an enclosed space, and is always looking for somewhere to escape. A gas leak is enough to send most of us into blind panic - it's explosive stuff. So thank goodness there are gas network operatives making sure it only comes out when and where we want it, and engineers ready to spring into action if anything does go wrong.

As you'll have gathered by now, it's a wide industry, and your Apprenticeship could launch you down any number of career pathways. Fixing overhead power cables, connecting a new housing development up to the gas grid, working at a hydroelectricity plant, ensuring waste water is clean and pure before it goes back into the water cycle... the list goes on.

There's also a massive administrative and commercial side to the industry. Every household and company in the country has an electricity bill to pay - that's a lot of customers to look after, and a lot of admin. The skilled workforce in the energy and utilities industries is getting on a bit, with a lot of people approaching retirement age. There's a real need for young apprentices - which means excellent career prospects when you qualify.

Advance to Go.

What qualities do I need?

be practical and good with your hands
have a sound understanding of technology and scientific principles
be good at maths
awareness of safe working practices and potential hazards
be able to take responsibility and act on your own initiative
have good IT skills
be able to read instructions and follow diagrams
take in technical information and put it into practice
be physically fit
be friendly and polite when dealing with the public

Vital Statistics

Hours: Some shift work and antisocial hours may be involved, including being on call.

Environment: This will vary, but you could be working outside, at height or underground. Some jobs are hazardous, so take care.

Location: You could be based in one location, or on the road all day on different calls. There are opportunities for working overseas (or even at sea).

Apprenticeships in this sector

These are the Apprenticeships currently available in this sector. For more information and for details of the Apprenticeship framework, contact the Sector Skills Council listed after each.