Career Switch Boom: How ScottishPower's Retraining Program Opens Doors to Green Jobs

Career Switch Surge Hits ScottishPower as January Job Searches Peak

Energy giant ScottishPower has reported a significant increase in people looking to switch careers, with job searches reaching a peak in January as thousands reassess their professional paths after the festive break.

Addressing the Critical Skills Shortage

The energy and utilities sector is facing a critical skills shortage, with employers struggling to fill the technical roles needed to deliver the UK's clean energy transition. ScottishPower, headquartered in Glasgow, is tackling this challenge head-on with its innovative retraining initiatives.

The Trainee Craftsperson Program: A Pathway to Green Jobs

ScottishPower's Trainee Craftsperson programme offers a practical route into the industry for people from other sectors. This program combines classroom learning with paid, hands-on experience on live infrastructure, providing a comprehensive training approach.

• 15th anniversary this year
• Helped over 400 people switch careers since its launch
• Designed to create a pathway into green jobs as demand for sustainable careers grows

Expert Insight: The Value of Mid-Career Transitions

Sarah McNulty, UK Human Resources Director at ScottishPower, emphasizes: "The energy sector is changing rapidly, and we need people with the right skills to build and maintain the networks of the future. The Trainee Craftsperson programme shows that talent already exists across the UK workforce - people just need the opportunity and support to retrain and succeed."

McNulty adds: "Mid-career transitions can feel daunting, but when done well they benefit workers, employers and the wider economy. Investing in retraining is essential if we are to deliver the infrastructure and clean power the UK needs."

Success Story: From Police Officer to Cable Jointer

Former police officer Dan Greig, now a cable jointer with ScottishPower, shares his experience: "The programme gave me the chance to retrain and build a career that really suits my skills."

The Bigger Picture

This career switch surge comes at a crucial time for the UK's energy sector, highlighting both the challenges of skills shortages and the opportunities presented by retraining programs that bridge the gap between existing workforce talent and emerging green job requirements.