Features: Graduate schemes with energy companies

Written by Luke Berté, Editor, Graduate Prospects, February 2013

If you're considering working in the energy sector, there are some exciting schemes with the world's biggest companies. Prospects takes a look at the possibilities…

The sector encompasses a variety of jobs in the energy sector concerned with the preservation, management and organisation of the planet's finite and renewable resources.

The industry is made up of many areas, including: oil and gas; nuclear power; energy conservation; eco-friendly and renewable energy; and waste and water management.

 

Those accepted onto graduate schemes are usually expected to have a related degree in science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM) subjects, as Emma Judge, head of graduate UK resourcing for BP, explains.

'The majority of students that begin a career with BP have a relevant STEM qualification, although we do recruit individuals from non-STEM backgrounds. Students with these qualifications can expect to work in a diverse range of roles and business functions.

'For example, you could become a well engineer based in Aberdeen or a geologist at our international offices in Sunbury'.

Supporting employees

The industry is very resilient in the face of the economic downturn as it plays such a massive part in the UK economy. Tackling climate change and rising carbon emissions are high on the list of government priorities, but with an ageing work force and fears of the sector facing a skill shortage in years to come, many companies have begun to focus their efforts on improving the quality of recruitment and training processes.

As a result, the industry has created an inspiring and modern image for itself with incentives abound for employees.

EDF Energy offer 12-month industrial placements and extensive graduate programmes to science and engineering students. Both of these schemes are available in the commercial arm of their operations too. 

So for students of other subjects who may be considering finance, human resources or marketing, for example, there are opportunities in the energy sector. 

Npower is another of the big energy companies setting out to change the face of the industry. 

Their Brighter Futures  project creates educational initiatives and opportunities for students in primary education, right the way through to postgraduate students who are looking to start work in the sector. 

'As one of the UK's leading energy companies, we understand the importance of supporting people with a wide range of skills and experience.

'Our BrighterFutures team is dedicated to creating experience and offering individuals the chance to progress their skills - whether by promoting engineering careers or encouraging responsible energy use,' says Kelly Brown, npower press and relations officer.

The future of energy

Whether you're a business graduate or engineering graduate, many energy companies have a mixture of schemes and traineeships on offer, with salaries in some cases starting at £25,000.

With energy being essential to almost every aspect of our lives, the training and development on offer in the industry is of the highest calibre. This ensures graduates entering the field are in an optimal position to manage and maintain the industry in the future.

Kelly says, 'Our four-year Power Technician Traineeships give you the opportunity to both gain qualifications and benefit from hands-on experience. As well as attending formal training courses at our partner college, you'll learn from experienced staff on a range of work placements in operations, engineering and maintenance, enabling you to apply the skills you've gained during your studies.

'You'll take courses relating to your specific discipline, as well as more general courses. On successful completion of the scheme you'll be a skilled technician with a Higher National Certificate (HNC) qualification together with an Engineering Technician (EngTech) accreditation with a leading engineering institute.'