EDF Renewables UK has launched its 2024 apprenticeship and graduate schemes, offering applicants from all over the country the opportunity to take the first step on their renewable energy career journey.
A total of eight apprenticeship places are available at several locations, including wind farm technicians across four sites in the UK. Two new apprenticeships in environment and conservation and facilities management have been introduced as part of the programme this year.
As part of the apprenticeship scheme, new wind turbine technician recruits will spend a year and a half at Tyne Metropolitan College at the Wallsend Campus, before learning the practical elements of the job at a number of EDF Renewables sites.
These include operational wind farms such as Dorenell and Fallago Rig wind farms and the service centre in Livingston in Scotland, and Teesside wind farm in the North East of England.
The safety of people and the environment is EDF Renewables UK’s number one priority, so the first task for the apprentices will be a 10-day training course in North Tyneside where they will be put through their paces to ensure they can safely work on-site. This will cover working at height, manual handling, first aid and fire awareness, as well as other topics which are standard to the wind industry and which must be completed by all EDF Renewables UK technicians.
To complement their time at college, apprentices will also complete a number of work placements at operational wind farms, before going on to spend 12-18 months working full-time alongside EDF Renewables’ teams.
There are also eight graduate placements available – four commercial and four engineering, providing the opportunity for young people to put into practice what they have learned through their degrees and gain valuable real-life experience.
Graduates will embark on a transformative two-year training programme, where they’ll learn from experts, develop a commercial understanding of the renewable energy sector and complete placements supporting of commercial, strategic and analytical business decisions. They’ll experience three different eight-month placements throughout their time on the scheme.
Twenty-year-old Camilla Home (pictured right) from Kelso, Scottish Borders is a current apprentice in her second year of the scheme, said: “I was attracted to the EDF Renewables apprenticeship scheme as I knew renewables was a growing industry with exciting possibilities. Working on-site at Fallago Rig wind farm and attending college enabled me to stay in the local area where I’ve grown up to learn and build a career for myself. It opens so many doors for me and it’s been such a fantastic experience so far.”
Ellice Mentiplay studied a degree in environmental science at Abertay University before completing a Masters degree in energy, society and sustainability in Edinburgh. She joined EDF Renewables in 2022 as a commercial graduate. Ellice commented: “Going through the graduate scheme at EDF Renewables has given me the knowledge and understanding to progress my career and given me a firm footing on the ladder in renewable energy.
“I’ve really enjoyed learning through placements in different business areas. Working in renewables means that I can also help the UK transition over to clean net zero energy.”
Matthew Moran, aged 22, (pictured left) is an onshore wind turbine apprentice with EDF Renewables in Durham and was previously in the Royal Navy. He said: “I left the Navy with very few qualifications and wanted to get into renewable energy to make a difference. I never thought I’d manage to get into engineering and the apprenticeship has given me a good foot in the door.
“When I’m onsite and learning from other people who are so knowledgeable about their job, I just aspire to be someone like that.”
Piero Maggio, Asset Operations Director at EDF Renewables UK, said: “We’re delighted to continue our apprenticeship scheme with the introduction of specialisms in environment and facilities management, which offers a fantastic entry route into the high-growth renewables market. As more EDF Renewables UK wind farms and other renewable energy technology projects come online, we are keen to grow our teams to continue operating them to the highest standard.
“Our scheme gives recruits the opportunity to learn about the latest cutting-edge technologies, before applying that knowledge in real-world scenarios, working on-site alongside our established and experienced teams.”
Jennie Chapman, Chief People Officer at EDF Renewables UK, said: “This apprenticeship and graduate schemes create opportunities for a successful career with EDF Renewables UK, doing interesting and rewarding work across our portfolio of renewable technology. Our apprentices and graduates are an important part of our business from day one and we look forward to welcoming them into our open and inclusive culture.”
The graduate scheme will close for applications on 29 January 2024 and the roles can be found here:
Commercial – https://careers.edfenergy.com/job-invite/27258/
Engineering – https://careers.edfenergy.com/job-invite/27257/
For more information and to apply for the 2024 EDF Renewables Apprenticeship Scheme, visit: EDF Renewables Apprenticeships 2024. The deadline for applications is 15 February 2024.
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Notes to Editors
For more information or for photographs please email ruth.shewan@edf-re.uk.
About EDF Renewables UK
EDF Renewables UK and Ireland is a subsidiary of the EDF Group and one of the world’s largest low carbon electricity companies. Our investment and innovation is reducing costs for consumers and bringing significant benefits for communities. With our operating portfolio of 43 renewable energy sites including battery, onshore and offshore wind (together totalling more than 1.5 GW) we are providing much needed affordable, low carbon electricity across the UK. We have an expanding portfolio with almost 14 GW of projects in planning and development, including wind, battery and solar PV.
