The energy industry is constantly changing and adapting and there’s never been a more exciting time to be a part of it. RWE is trail blazing the sector by launching it’s 2021 apprenticeship intake programmes, coinciding with National Apprenticeship Week that runs from 8-11 February.
RWE is the UK’s second largest power producer, generating over 12% of all electricity in the UK and employing around 2600 people. This diverse operational portfolio of onshore wind, offshore wind, biomass, hydro and gas power plants is now looking to bolster its ranks by recruiting 17 young people to support the company’s ambitious growth plans.
Tom Glover, RWE Renewables Chief Commercial Officer and RWE UK Country Chair said: “RWE has gone through a substantial transition over recent years. The UK plays a key role in RWE’s strategy to grow its renewables portfolio and to become carbon neutral by 2040. As the number two in offshore wind worldwide, we are planning to invest billions of pounds into our UK projects over the coming years. We believe it’s vitally important that we continue to attract diverse and fresh thinking into RWE, to help develop our future expertise. Through our apprentice programmes, we aim to find the engineers, technicians, project managers and IT specialists of the future to drive the green recovery, growth of the renewables sector and support our commodity trading activities.”
RWE currently has 38 apprentices training in different businesses and varied positions across the UK; roles include wind technician, associate project manager, software development and software tester and engineering apprentice.
RWE Renewables recently piloted a new national apprenticeship hub at Coleg Llandrillo in Wales where it has already successfully trained nearly 30 apprentices. The successful apprenticeship programme was first launched in 2012 to generate skilled wind technicians who could meet the growing needs of the offshore wind sector.
Trainee wind turbine technicians will be stationed at some of the largest offshore wind farms in the UK including Triton Knoll, off the coast of Lincolnshire which is currently under construction.
Tom Glover continued: “Last year the Sector Deal committed to delivering training within the renewables sector - the development of the hub in Coleg Llandrillo will deliver on this, developing a workforce to meet our needs by creating high quality vocational learning opportunities.”
RWE Supply & Trading are the interface between RWE and the energy markets around the world with offices in Swindon and London. The apprenticeship programme puts candidates at the heart of one of Europe’s largest energy trading companies and in 2020 was awarded by TheJobCrowd, the best employer in the UK for apprentices to work for.
RWE Supply & Trading is looking to continue the success in developing apprentices in IT and Project Management this year. Energy trading is a fast-paced environment, this leads to the use and development of innovative technologies, making it a great place to start a career in IT.
The schemes have been in place for over 50 years and have been continually adapted to match the energy market of today and to align them to the requirements of RWE’s ever evolving business. The programmes available last between two to four years, providing trainees with an in-depth understanding of the technical and practical skills required to work in the power and energy industry.
Apprentices are recruited through various assessment centres, after which the candidates complete an interview, team exercise and tests. For more information on RWE Renewables apprenticeship programmes go to www.rweukjobs.com for more information on RWE Supply and Trading programmes www.rwestcareers.com.