The Solar Careers UK initiative is a response to the 70 GW solar power target by 2035 for the UK, set by the Government as part of its broader renewable energy and net-zero commitments. This goal aligns with the UK’s Net Zero Strategy, which outlines the pathway to achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. […] The post Supporting growth through education, training, and recruitment appeared first on Solar Energy UK.
The Solar Careers UK initiative is a response to the 70 GW solar power target by 2035 for the UK, set by the Government as part of its broader renewable energy and net-zero commitments. This goal aligns with the UK’s Net Zero Strategy, which outlines the pathway to achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
To achieve this, the UK will need to deploy solar infrastructure at an accelerated pace, averaging around 4–5 GW of new capacity annually over the next decade.
This growth will involve scaling up installations across residential rooftops, commercial and industrial sites, and large-scale solar farms. Policy frameworks, financial incentives, and streamlined planning processes will be essential to drive this expansion and overcome potential barriers like land availability and grid integration.
A skilled workforce is critical to achieving the 70 GW target and the solar sector will need tens of thousands more trained professionals, including installers, engineers, project managers, and technicians, to succeed.
Solar Careers UK is an initiative to prepare individuals for careers in the solar industry by providing information and guidance on what skills and competence will be required, and how to attain it.
Hands-on workshops such as the ‘Installers Training Hub’, a feature at both Solar & Storage Live London and Birmingham will ensure the current and future workforce gain practical, job-ready expertise aligned with the latest industry standards.
Another key aspect of the programme is its support for recruitment and networking. Through stand-alone events like the Solar Careers Hub at South Thames College, London, and the ‘Recruitment Zone’ features at Solar & Storage Live, attendees can connect directly with employers, gain insights into the industry’s diverse career paths, and discover job opportunities across the solar value chain.
Currently under construction, the programmes Solar Careers UK website will when launched, showcase educational courses that cover technical competencies such as solar panel installation, system maintenance, and design, alongside essential skills like project management and understanding renewable energy regulations. Links to job vacancies, industry insights, and physical events will also be promoted on the website.
The Solar Careers UK team will communicate to the public the benefits of the UK’s solar energy market growth, explaining its increased contributions to the national grid, it’s economic and environmental impact, and how it is generating thousands of jobs across various stages of the supply chain, including installation, maintenance, research, and development.
Any organisation looking to getting involved in any of the Solar Careers UK events as an exhibitor showcasing products and solutions, installer demo exhibitor, or hiring manager with job vacancies, please contact Sturge at smazzocchi@solarenergyuk.org.
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