Training for Clean Energy Jobs

Barnsley College’s Clean Energy Training Centre is providing aspiring professionals access to industry-aligned courses that prepare them for careers in solar installation, heat pump engineering, retrofit and low-carbon construction.

The UK is transforming its energy and built environment sectors through ambitious targets for renewable energy, low-carbon technologies and sustainable construction. As outlined in the UK Government’s Clean Energy Jobs Plan, investment in clean energy sectors is creating thousands of job opportunities across the country and training is key to unlocking them.

What is the UK Clean Energy Jobs Plan?

The UK Government’s Clean Energy Jobs Plan sets out strategies to scale up renewable and low-carbon industries, support energy security and create high-quality jobs in every region. Published by DESNZ (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero), the plan identifies clean energy sectors with high growth potential, including renewables, energy efficiency, retrofit, low-carbon heat and sustainable construction.

Key UK clean energy sectors identified include:

·       Renewable electricity generation (solar, wind, hydro)

·       Low-carbon heat and energy efficiency

·       Electric vehicle infrastructure

·       Low-carbon materials and buildings

·       Hydrogen production and network development

·       Carbon capture, usage and storage

The plan emphasises skills development and training to ensure the UK workforce can meet the needs of these expanding industries, supporting both local economies and national net zero goals.

Why training for clean energy jobs matters

As the DESNZ and Government report highlights, clean energy sectors are expanding rapidly and require a range of new technical skills. Whether it’s installing solar panels on homes, servicing heat pump systems, or upgrading building efficiency through retrofit, skilled professionals are in high demand.

Training for clean energy jobs also supports:

·       Economic growth in renewable and low-carbon sectors

·       Local job creation in communities across the UK

·       Energy security and reduced carbon emissions

·       Career pathways for people of all backgrounds

Careers in clean energy and average UK wages

The government and industry are taking action to deliver the clean energy workforce required to meet 2030 plan with the Clean Energy Plan projected to create 182,000 jobs over seven years in the Heat and Buildings sector alone.

The clean energy economy offers a variety of career paths with competitive wages. Below are typical UK salary ranges for key roles connected to courses at Barnsley College’s Clean Energy Training Centre:

*Actual salaries vary by experience, location and employer.

These ranges reflect the growing value placed on specialist skills as the UK continues to invest in clean energy and sustainable infrastructure.

How Barnsley College’s Clean Energy Training Centre helps build careers

To meet the needs outlined in the UK Clean Energy Jobs Plan, Barnsley College has established a purpose-built Clean Energy Training Centre with a range of courses.

The centre’s practical focus ensures students gain real-world experience using modern equipment and techniques sought by employers across the construction and energy sectors.

What the centre offers:

·       Hands-on, industry-aligned training in renewable energy systems

·       Heat pump installation and servicing courses

·       Solar photovoltaic (PV) installation programmes

·       Retrofit and energy efficiency training

·       Low-carbon construction and sustainable building modules

·       Apprenticeships, short courses and professional development

Training pathways and career support

Barnsley College offers training pathways to support your progression. Courses are designed in consultation with industry partners, so students leave with the skills employers want.

Whether you’re:

·       An experienced tradesperson seeking upskilling

·       A career changer pursuing green jobs

·       An employer investing in workforce capability

The future of work in clean energy

According to the DESNZ report, clean energy sectors represent major opportunities for skilled workers across the UK. With national ambition driving investment and innovation, now is one of the most promising times to pursue training and careers in renewable energy, retrofit and sustainable construction.

By equipping yourself with clean energy skills through Barnsley College’s Clean Energy Training Centre, you’ll be joining a growing workforce that’s critical to delivering the UK’s net zero future.

Get started with Clean Energy Training

To learn more about Sustainability and Clean Energy courses, career pathways and training for jobs in renewable and low-carbon industries, visit the Barnsley College Clean Energy Training Centre pages or contact our careers team.

Email: info@barnsley.ac.uk or call 01226 216 216.