Credit: Confused energy
The job market is evolving, and so are young people’s choices in vocational training. Traditional trades like electricians and mechanics have always been seen as stable, well-paid careers. But renewable energy jobs, such as solar panel installation and wind turbine maintenance, are becoming popular due to increasing environmental concerns. This shift reflects changing values and career interests.
Confused.com’s energy experts surveyed UK 16-24-year-olds. They wanted to know their views on renewable energy trades vs. traditional vocational subjects.
What trades are people most interested in?
Top 10 trades young people would be most interested in studying for a career
|
1 |
Electrician |
17.8% |
|
2 |
Mechanic |
15.8% |
|
3 |
Bricklayer |
11.9% |
|
4 |
Renewable Energy Technician |
8.9% |
|
5 |
Carpenter & Joiner |
8.2% |
|
6 |
Plumber |
7.8% |
|
7 |
Solar Panel Installer |
6.8% |
|
8 |
Biomass Technician |
6.7% |
|
9 |
Plasterer |
6.6% |
|
10 |
Wind Turbine Technician |
5.8% |
Traditional trades, essential for construction and maintenance, show a higher overall interest. Electricians and mechanics are notably the most popular, likely due to established career paths, and access to education. However, renewable energy trades are emerging as attractive options, surpassing some well-established vocations such as plumbing and plastering.
When it comes to overall interest in either traditional or renewal energy vocational subjects, most young people stated they’d be interested in pursuing either (33%). This indicates that there’s trust in future job opportunities for those wanting to get into renewables.
Why do people want to study traditional trades vs renewable trades?
Both traditional and renewable energy trades attract people for different reasons. A high salary is a big draw for both (50% for traditional vs. 44% for renewable energy). Flexibility is also important (37% for traditional vs. 36% for renewable energy). Job security is key too, with traditional trades slightly higher (35% vs. 33%).
Environmental impact is a much stronger draw for renewable energy courses (25% vs. 18%). Renewable energy’s 24% and 21% interest in its growth and job prospects exceed traditional energy’s 22% and 19%. On the other hand, traditional trades have a higher interest in self-employment opportunities (21% vs. 18%).
Both traditional and renewable energy vocational courses are valued for similar practical aspects. However, renewable energy courses have a unique appeal due to their environmental benefits and future growth potential.
How to access education for traditional trades vs renewable trades?
More young people know how to apply for apprenticeships in traditional vocational courses (68%) than in renewable energy courses (56%). In the North East, 65% know how to apply for renewable energy apprenticeships, while only 46% know how to apply in the South East.
When asked about local colleges offering renewable energy courses, responses were mixed. About 40% knew these courses were available, 39% were unsure, and 21% said their colleges do not offer them. There is some uncertainty about renewable energy courses at local colleges. But, many respondents know they are available.
Which pays better? Traditional or renewable trades?
Top 10 trades believed to offer the highest salaries upon completing qualifications
|
1 |
Electrician |
34.98% |
|
2 |
Renewable Energy Technician |
25.99% |
|
3 |
Mechanic |
24.14% |
|
4 |
Wind Turbine Technician |
23.64% |
|
5 |
Biomass Technician |
21.14% |
|
6 |
Solar Panel Installer |
20.24% |
|
7 |
Plumber |
18.29% |
|
8 |
Energy Storage Technician |
17.44% |
|
9 |
Bricklayer |
16.94% |
|
10 |
Heat Pump Engineer |
13.89% |
Young people generally see electricians as offering the highest salaries. Next are renewable energy roles. They include renewable energy, wind turbine, and biomass technicians. Traditional trades, like mechanics and plumbers, also have significant earning potential.
Electric Vehicle Charging Point Installer was the least selected for the highest salary (13.7%). However, it was seen as better paying than traditional trades like welder (12%), carpenter & joiner (11%), scaffolder (10%), roofer (9.6%), and plasterer (8%).
Barriers to pursuing renewable energy trades
The biggest hurdle to pursuing renewable energy courses is a lack of information in schools. Over 43% of young people stated that they’d want information about available training programs during school years, along with work placement opportunities during education.
Young people also believe there are few local jobs (25%), high training costs (24%), limited training locations (23%), and unclear job prospects (22.5%). They want higher apprenticeship salaries (41%) and more help finding apprenticeships (39%).
While traditional trades maintain a strong appeal, renewable energy vocational courses are increasingly seen as viable and attractive career paths. To encourage this transition, discussions in schools about renewable energy options, along with access to training facilities while being financially supported will see more enter the renewable energy workforce.
Methodology:
The research was conducted by Censuswide, among a sample of 2001 16-24-year-olds across the UK who have an interest or who’ve previously thought about studying a vocational subject/apprenticeship. The data was collected between 23.07.2024 – 26.07.2024. Censuswide abides by and employs members of the Market Research Society and follows the MRS code of conduct and ESOMAR principles. Censuswide is also a member of the British Polling Council.
Q1. Select the trades you would be most interested in studying to pursue as a career, if any.
Q2. Which type of vocational course interests you the most, if any?
Q3. What aspects of traditional vocational courses would interest you the most, if anything?
Q4. What aspects of renewable energy vocational courses would interest you the most, if anything?
Q5. Do you know how to apply for apprenticeships for traditional vocational courses?
Q6. Do you know how to apply for apprenticeships for renewable energy vocational courses?
Q7. Do your local colleges offer vocational renewable energy courses?
Q8. What trades do you believe offer the highest salaries upon completing qualifications, if any?
Q9. What trades do you believe offer the lowest salaries upon completing qualifications, if any?
Q10. What do you see as the biggest barriers to pursuing renewable energy vocational courses, if any?
Q11. What would motivate you the most to consider renewable energy vocational courses, if anything?
Q12. What resources or support would help you the most in pursuing a career in renewable energy trades, if anything?
Confused energy
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