APPRENTICESHIPS

Renewable Energy Apprenticeships UK 2026 | Green Energy School Leavers Guide

By GreenRoles Team · Updated March 2026 · 8 min read

Apprenticeships are one of the best ways to start a career in renewable energy — you earn a salary while gaining nationally recognised qualifications, and many apprentices are offered permanent positions before they even complete their programme. With the UK's green economy growing rapidly, the number and quality of renewable energy apprenticeships has never been better.

💚 Key fact: Renewable energy apprentices in the UK earn an average starting salary of £18,000-£22,000 during training, rising to £30,000-£45,000 upon qualification. Many large employers pay significantly above the apprenticeship minimum wage.

Types of renewable energy apprenticeships available

Electrical Installation Apprenticeship
Level 3

The foundation for most renewable energy technical roles. Apprentices learn electrical installation across commercial and domestic settings, with pathways into solar PV and EV charging installation. Most common entry route into the renewable energy trades.

Duration: 3-4 yearsQualification: NVQ Level 3Salary: £16,000-£22,000
Wind Turbine Technician Apprenticeship
Level 3

Specialist apprenticeship for onshore and offshore wind turbine maintenance. Offered by Vestas, Siemens Gamesa and SSE Renewables. Includes GWO safety training and hands-on turbine maintenance across employer sites.

Duration: 2-3 yearsEmployers: Vestas, SSE, Siemens GamesaSalary: £20,000-£26,000
Sustainability & Environmental Apprenticeship
Level 4-5

Higher apprenticeship for sustainability roles in corporate organisations. Combines workplace learning with IEMA qualification. Offered by major UK employers including Marks & Spencer, Tesco, HSBC and various NHS trusts. Entry requirements typically include A-levels.

Duration: 2-3 yearsQualification: IEMA AssociateSalary: £22,000-£28,000
EV Charge Point Installation Apprenticeship
Level 3

One of the fastest-growing apprenticeship routes, combining electrical installation with specialist EV charging qualification. Pod Point, BP Pulse and Connected Kerb all run programmes. OZEV-approved installer status gained on completion.

Duration: 2-3 yearsEmployers: Pod Point, BP PulseSalary: £20,000-£25,000
Degree Apprenticeship in Renewable Energy Engineering
Level 6-7

Earn a full engineering degree while working full-time. Offered by SSE, Centrica, National Grid and others in partnership with universities including Northumbria, Aston and Heriot-Watt. No tuition fees — employer pays. Highly competitive with hundreds of applicants per place.

Duration: 4-5 yearsQualification: BEng/MEngSalary: £24,000-£32,000

How to find and apply for green energy apprenticeships

  1. Search gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship — the official UK apprenticeship service. Filter by "engineering", "sustainability" or "electrical"
  2. Go directly to employer websites — SSE, Vestas, Octopus Energy and National Grid all advertise apprenticeships directly
  3. Check RenewableUK.com — the industry body often lists member apprenticeship programmes
  4. Contact local colleges — many FE colleges have partnerships with local renewable energy employers
  5. Apply early — most renewable energy apprenticeship cohorts open in September/October for the following year

What do renewable energy employers look for in apprenticeship applicants?

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