British Gas to Hire and Train 300 New Apprentices to Support Net Zero Goals

British Gas to Hire and Train 300 New Apprentices to Support Net Zero Goals

(IN BRIEF) British Gas is set to hire and train 300 new apprentices to enhance its customer-facing teams and support the UK’s net zero ambitions. The initiative focuses on engineering and customer service roles, with a commitment to diversity and inclusion. This move underscores British Gas’s dedication to job creation, sustainability, and superior customer service.

(PRESS RELEASE) WINDSOR, 24-Jul-2024 — /EuropaWire/ — British Gas has announced a significant initiative to hire and train 300 new apprentices, aimed at strengthening its customer-facing teams and accelerating the drive towards net zero. The majority of these apprenticeships will focus on engineering roles, with training provided at the Ofsted-regulated and award-winning British Gas Academies. These new hires will assist customers with energy efficiency advice, boiler repairs, and the installation of net zero measures to help reduce bills and carbon emissions.

Key Highlights of the Initiative

Focus on Diversity and Inclusion: British Gas is committed to attracting more women and individuals from underrepresented backgrounds into engineering roles, helping to close the gender gap and promote inclusivity in the industry.

New Apprenticeships in Customer Service: In addition to engineering roles, British Gas has launched a customer service apprenticeship program. Starting in August and September, the program will take place at UK-based call centers, providing extensive training to enhance customer support as part of the company’s broader efforts to invest in customer service.

Commitment to Job Creation: British Gas has a longstanding history of job creation and training in the UK, with a pledge to hire 3,500 new apprentices by 2030 to drive the energy transition. The company also offers Pathway programs for ex-forces personnel, aiming to hire at least 500 by 2026, and for former Team GB athletes, providing opportunities to start new careers as apprentices.

Statements from Key Figures

Chris O’Shea, CEO of Centrica (parent company of British Gas): “Education and employment are critical to raising standards of living. I’m proud that we are creating thousands of well-paid, unionized jobs, and supporting ex-forces veterans and Team GB athletes. It’s vital that we reflect the diversity of the customers and communities we support, and we’re committed to creating the workforce of the future that can deliver the UK’s net zero ambitions. The new customer service apprenticeship is part of our efforts to boost our customer operations. We’ve invested £50 million in customer service, including hiring more UK-based contact center staff and introducing longer call center opening times. We were recently recognized as the most improved energy supplier for customer service by USwitch, showing our efforts are working but we continue to look at how we can improve customer service.”

Minister Fahnbulleh, Department for Energy Security and Net Zero: “Our Warm Homes Plan will go further and faster in upgrading Britain’s homes to protect billpayers and tackle fuel poverty. This brings with it huge potential for new jobs across the country – from helping to deliver the UK’s clean energy transition, to providing a top-class service for customers. I welcome the work of British Gas in opening the door for apprentices from all backgrounds to join our fast-growing energy workforce and provide excellent customer support.”

Andy Prendergast, National Secretary at GMB: “This is good news. GMB has continually pushed for an increase in the number of apprentices taken on by British Gas and we are pleased to see these calls being turned into action. These new apprenticeships are great opportunities for people to earn while they learn vital skills and will help ensure we have the people necessary to meet the challenges presented by the move towards Net Zero.”

UNISON Head of Business Donna Rowe-Merriman: “The new apprenticeship scheme will strengthen training and career opportunities within the customer service area of the company. It’s good to see British Gas recognizing and valuing the professional skills that are essential in all roles supporting customers within the energy sector.”

Isaura Johnson, Smart Energy Engineer at British Gas: “I knew an apprenticeship would push me and give me new skills, and a solid trade, with the potential to get further qualifications in areas of sustainability such as EV charging or heat pump installation. If you’re thinking about going through the British Gas engineering academy, my advice would be to enjoy it. Everyone is very supportive, and the groups you come across are always happy to share their knowledge. You start to develop your skill set and learn to break down complex problems into smaller components.”|

Apply Now

For more information and to apply for the apprenticeship programs, visit Centrica Careers

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Email: media@centrica.com

SOURCE: Centrica plc