British Gas to Create 400+ Apprenticeship Roles in 2025 to Support Net Zero Goals and Drive Career Diversity

British Gas to Create 400+ Apprenticeship Roles in 2025 to Support Net Zero Goals and Drive Career Diversity

(IN BRIEF) British Gas has announced it will offer over 400 apprenticeship roles in 2025 as part of its effort to accelerate the transition to a net zero future. The apprentices will help with energy efficiency, boiler repairs, and the implementation of carbon-reducing measures for customers. The company aims to attract more women and individuals from underrepresented backgrounds to these roles. The announcement coincides with new research showing an increasing positive perception of apprenticeships in the UK, with many people now considering them for career changes. British Gas also celebrated National Apprenticeship Week by hosting open days at its UK academies. CEO Chris O’Shea and Minister for Skills Jacqui Smith both highlighted the importance of apprenticeships for the country’s energy future and inclusive growth. British Gas plans to hire 3,500 apprentices by 2030 as part of its commitment to the energy transition.

(PRESS RELEASE) WINDSOR, 10-Feb-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — In a move designed to accelerate the transition to a net zero future, British Gas has announced that it will be offering more than 400 apprenticeship roles in 2025. These apprentices will play a vital role in helping customers improve energy efficiency, fix boilers, and implement measures to reduce carbon emissions and lower energy costs. As part of its strategy, British Gas is actively encouraging women and individuals from underrepresented backgrounds to apply, aiming to bridge the gender gap in engineering and promote diversity within the sector. Training will be conducted at British Gas Academies, which are Ofsted-regulated and award-winning.

The announcement coincides with new research from British Gas that highlights a significant shift in attitudes towards apprenticeships. The research reveals that more than half (55%) of UK adults feel more positively about apprenticeships now than they did when leaving school, with only 2% expressing a negative view. Furthermore, nearly a quarter (23%) of adults now consider apprenticeships as an option for changing careers, reflecting a broader transformation in how people view work and career development.

The research identifies key reasons why apprenticeships are increasingly appealing, including long-term job security (nearly 75% agree with this), skill-building opportunities (66%), avoiding student debt (55%), and faster career advancement compared to traditional university paths (51%).

Shaunagh Brown, a former Red Rose Six Nations Grand Slam Winner, who first joined British Gas as an apprentice in 2010, emphasized the value of apprenticeships in her career journey. After progressing from an apprentice to a commercial diver and firefighter, Shaunagh returned to British Gas through its pathways program. “Apprenticeships offer the chance to develop new skills while making a tangible impact on people’s lives,” she commented. “It’s encouraging to see so many people recognizing the value of apprenticeships.”

In celebration of National Apprenticeship Week, British Gas will host open days at four UK Academy sites, including locations in Glasgow, Thatcham, Dartford, and Leicester, where prospective applicants can learn more about available apprenticeship opportunities and experience behind-the-scenes tours.

Chris O’Shea, CEO of Centrica (British Gas’ parent company), emphasized the importance of reflecting diversity in the workforce. “We are committed to creating a workforce that aligns with the UK’s net zero goals, providing opportunities for those interested in a new career or just starting out,” he said. “Our apprenticeship schemes offer not just a way to learn new skills, but a pathway to a lifelong career with plenty of room for growth.”

Minister for Skills Jacqui Smith praised British Gas’ initiative as a vital step in expanding apprenticeship opportunities, stating that apprenticeships are central to the government’s strategy for promoting inclusive growth and providing skilled talent to meet the nation’s energy needs.

In addition to the 400+ apprenticeship roles, British Gas is set to hire 3,500 apprentices by 2030 to support the energy transition. The company’s Pathway programs for ex-forces and former athletes also offer career transitions into apprenticeships, with plans to hire at least 500 ex-forces personnel by 2026.

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SOURCE: Centrica plc