Introduction
Our Industry guides give you the lowdown on what the Bradford District has to offer. They're here to help you figure out what qualifications and training opportunities are available nearby and to give you the scoop on career options in specific industries.
If you're not sure about what careers are out there, these guides are perfect for exploring and getting to know each sector better. They're your go-to for understanding the different paths you can take into a career, whether it's through Apprenticeships, Traineeships, starting out early in your career, going to college or university, or learning on the job.
In Bradford District, there are 15 industry sectors to explore - you can find them all on the Career Options page. Each guide will tell you specific ways to plan for an occupation, as well as suggesting educational and vocational opportunities.
Build a Career in the Energy, Environment & Utilities Technology Industry
When it comes to a Career in the Energy, Environment and Utilities sector, a keen interest in any of the following will be helpful:
- Working collaboratively
- Data analysis and modelling
- Project management
- Renewable energy technologies
- A commitment to continuous learning
- Sustainability
- Mathematics
- Technology
You may be familiar with the acronym STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics), or indeed studying subjects that are closely related to these areas.
“Energy is a dynamic sector offering numerous career opportunities and growth potential. It’s ideal for those with an interest in renewable sources, sustainability, and evolving technologies. Engineers, researchers, and technicians benefit from the expanding renewable energy market,
while strong job security and competitive salaries further enhance its appeal as a career path.” Is Energy a Good Career Path in 2023? (compile.blog). The World Economic Forum describes how the renewable energy transition is creating a green jobs boom (Jan, 2023)
There is a growing demand for professionals in the energy industry. As the UK transitions towards clean and sustainable energy sources, with emerging technologies such as solar, wind, and energy storage, there will be exciting, cutting-edge work for energy professionals. Nations will continue to be dependent on energy for their societies to function and energy professionals can help shape energy policy, and find solutions to the climate change crisis that fossil fuels feed into.
A wide range of opportunities in the Energy, Environment and Utilities sector industry are available:
- Engineers – Petroleum, Solar, Environmental, Electrical, Structural
- Computer and Information Systems Manager
- Project Manager
- Solar Technical Expert
- Research & Development
- Wind Turbine Technician
- Environmental Health & Safety Officer
There are many great companies across Bradford and District that are making a difference in the Energy, Environment and Utilities area. Bradford Council with partner organisations is building a heat network that will make Bradford a leader in green energy.
Qualification Information
Find information about core subjects and specific relevant sections of the curriculum here
Courses in Energy, Environment & Utilities Technology
15 Career Choices in Energy, Environment & Utilities Technology
The below jobs are a sample of 15 occupations that can be found in the Energy, Environment & Utilities Technology sector in Bradford District and beyond. Click on the job title for more information:
- CAD (Computer-Aided Design) Technician - use software to design structures, machinery, goods and components
- Design & Development Engineer - improve product performance and efficiency while researching and developing new manufacturing ideas and systems
- 3D Printing Technician - manufacture products, including biomedical implants, car parts, aerospace components and fashion accessories
- Wind Turbine Technician - maintain and repair wind farm turbines on land and at sea
- Electricity Distribution Worker - maintain and repair the power lines that connect homes and businesses to the national grid
- Electricity Generation Worker - operate and maintain equipment in power stations
- Hydrologist - study rainfall, rivers and groundwater systems to help develop sustainable ways of managing water
- Civil Engineer - design and manage construction projects, from bridges and buildings to transport links and sports stadiums
- Energy Engineer - research, design and build power generation plants, and work in the oil and gas industry
- Marine Engineer - design, build and repair boats, ships, submarines, offshore platforms and drilling equipment
- Chemical Engineer - develop ways to turn raw materials into everyday products
- Welder - cut, join and shape metals, alloys and other materials in the manufacturing, construction and engineering industries
- Geoscientist - study the Earth's structure and formation, and analyse rocks to explore its natural mineral and energy resources
- Materials Engineer - research the behaviour of materials used in industry to make them stronger, lighter and more hard-wearing
Useful Resources
Find below some useful websites giving information about working in this sector:
WISE – Women and Girls inspiring STEM Excellence
The Science, Engineering, Manufacturing and Technologies Alliance
Indeed - Renewable Energy Careers
Women in Science Engineering Technology
BMR Solutions – Careers in Renewable Energy
United Nations Renewable Energy
International Energy Agency – Energy Technology Perspectives
Digital Badges
Digital badges are a great way to gain recognition for skills and learning which doesn't have a qualification attached to it. If you are a learner aged 13+ please sign up to our Navigatr platform to access the digital badges we offer.
This is quick, easy and free to do. Follow the link below to create your own Navigator account and earn your first digital badge by reading the information and completing quiz at the bottom of the page:
https://www.navigatr.org/what-are-digital-badges-2
To see some of the badges available for Bradford District click on the link below for more information.
With renewable energy sources and digital technology transforming this sector, many careers have a strong focus on the delivery of green power to customers. The industry focuses on managing infrastructure such as power stations, most notably generating electricity using renewables. Where it was once fossil fuels as the main source of power generation, renewable energy is the future.
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Roles within this pathway focus on creating innovative solutions to sustainability challenges that meet the needs of today’s society, while preserving opportunities for future generations. Deep technical expertise has to be displayed when addressing environmental, health, safety, risk and social issues.
In this pathway, energy and power is used in a safe, efficient, environmentally-friendly manner. Improving energy storage and power generation devices to increase their capabilities, and developing alternative fuels and energy harvested from renewable sources (ultimately to decrease cost for the consumer) is of paramount importance.
Telecommunications consists of companies that transmit data in words, voice, audio, or video across the globe. Telecom equipment, telecom services, and wireless communication are the three basic sub-sectors of telecommunications. Telecoms has become increasingly focused on video, text, and data, as opposed to voice.