Investing in tomorrow’s innovators: How digital apprenticeships are upskilling the next generation in green tech

The future of green energy depends on the next generation of innovators, and that includes more than just the technicians on the frontline installing sustainable energy solutions in homes and businesses. It’s about the digital minds driving the technology and innovation behind those solutions.

That’s why we’re investing heavily in digital talent through our Digital and Technology Solutions (Software Engineering) Degree Apprenticeship programme. This September, we’re excited to welcome four new tech apprentices, expanding our Digital Technology (DT) apprenticeship team to a total of seven. These young professionals are not just the future of our company — they’re part of the solution when it comes to driving the innovation needed to lead the energy transition.

Our newest group will embark on a four-year journey at E.ON while studying at Nottingham Trent University, on a programme designed to immerse them in every facet of our digital operations. From keeping our customers’ data secure to supporting the many ways we can help customers to take control of their energy use with accurate data, they will gain hands-on experience with cutting-edge technologies and projects that are central to E.ON’s mission of delivering sustainable energy solutions.

One of the standout features of our apprenticeship programme is its emphasis on innovation. From day one, the apprentices dive straight into a mock hackathon, giving them a taste of the problem-solving abilities and creative mindsets that are essential in real-world challenges. As they progress, they’ll contribute to projects within our ‘Tiny Digital Things’ team, looking at the small improvements that add up to big successes.

Then there’s work in E.ON Next’s engineering team on the systems we use to support customers, and the potential to explore ways of enhancing our cyber security protections. More recent apprentices have even had the opportunity to collaborate with our global technology team on innovative projects across the E.ON Group, such as developing a new Alexa app.

This year’s intake was particularly competitive, with over 700 applicants vying for just four spots. The vigorous selection process involved each candidate demonstrating a deep passion for technology and a clear understanding of how they could contribute to E.ON’s vision of a sustainable future.

A significant part of our investment in these apprentices is our long-term commitment to their development. Throughout their four-year programme we closely follow their progress, ensuring they are equipped with the skills and experiences needed to thrive in the rapidly evolving energy world and where they can continue to contribute to our broader teams long after their apprenticeships have ended.

The skills these apprentices acquire through our programme open doors to a range of careers, including data management, cyber security, and software development. Each of these areas plays a critical role in our ongoing efforts to build the innovative workforce that will lead the way in the energy transition.