Energy and utilities : Typical employers

There are many different opportunities in the fuel production industries including oil, gas and nuclear. This can include exploration, drilling, construction, diving supplies, transportation, petrol retailers or refineries.

Opportunities in energy and the utilities include geotechnical, engineering, scientific, environmental and waste management roles, although almost every area of industry uses a large amount of energy in its production processes, so there are many industries that employ energy specialists. 

Research is also a growth area, with an increasing need to research, develop and test alternative sources of energy, such as wind, solar, tidal and geothermal power.

Local governments, public bodies and charities are concerned with promoting energy conservation and can offer opportunities to graduates who want to work in this area. There are government initiative and nationwide schemes that need to be endorsed through local action and programmes.

Big players

There are many top global companies involved in the exploration and production of oil and gas. Big players and major recruiters include oil and gas producers such as:

• Amerada Hess;
• BP;
• Centrica;
• Chevron;
• Conoco Phillips;
• Exxon Mobil;
• Shell;
• Schlumberger;
• Total.

There are over 18 energy companies supplying the UK and include:

• National Grid;
• British Gas;
• EDF Energy;
• Scottish Power;
• Npower;
• E.ON.

The renewable energy market has been growing at record rates, with the wind industry leading the way and a number of global companies such as:

• Vestas;
• Gamesa;
• RES;
• GE Energy;
• Siemens;
• Suzlon.

There are over 20 water companies in the UK including:

• Veolia Water;
• Scottish Water;
• Yorkshire Water;
• United Utilities;
• regional water suppliers.

The waste management and recycling market also offers many opportunities. Companies include:

• Biffa;
• Waste Recycling Group;
• Shanks Waste Solutions;
• Veolia;
• Viridor.

Small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)

SMEs are organisations with less than 250 employees and an annual turnover of around £26million. Working for a smaller company can be rewarding because you are more likely to forge a path for yourself within the company, although opportunities to try other departments may be limited.

SMEs are unlikely to use the testing and assessment techniques of larger companies, or follow lengthy recruitment procedures. SMEs are more likely to advertise their vacancies through the local press; university careers service bulletins, local graduate vacancy listings, jobcentres, and word of mouth, rather than rely on their reputation and a presence at graduate recruitment fairs.

Careers services should have listings of jobs with small firms. Vacancies are also advertised in local papers and through relevant professional bodies. Also see the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS).

Self-employment

Self-employment and freelance work is possible but not very common in this sector. However, there are some freelance consultants that offer expertise in highly specific areas within the oil and gas industry, waste management, recycling and renewable energies. However self-employment is not usually possible until graduates have several years’ experience and are professionally qualified.

Find out more about self-employment.