Young minds, bright futures: why education matters in the energy sector

As we transition to greener technologies, the demand for specialised skills is increasing. However, a significant skills gap may pose a challenge to this transition. Research indicates that by 2030, nearly one in five jobs requiring green skills could go unfilled, potentially widening to one in two by 2050 without proactive upskilling.

At E.ON, through various initiatives, we are empowering the next generation and equipping people with the tools to thrive in a green economy:

• Net Zero Training Academy:
  E.ON's academy in Kingswinford reskills engineers to meet the needs of a cleaner, more sustainable future.
• Strategic energy partnerships:
  Long-term collaborations, such as E.ON’s partnership with Coventry City Council, focus on creating job opportunities in the green economy.
• Interactive Learning Zones:
  E.ON has teamed up with Skills Street to create hands-on learning environments that inspire young learners to explore sustainability and STEM-related activities. This initiative aims to inspire the next generation by providing hands-on, skills-focused sessions that apply classroom learning to industry activities.

Inspiring young innovators

By investing in education and training, E.ON is not only bridging the green skills gap but also inspiring a new generation to dream big, innovate, and create solutions for a sustainable world.

From training academies and ‘Hackathon Days’ to exciting events like ‘Kids in Motorsport’, these initiatives show that education is the key to unlocking the potential of the energy sector.

‘Kids in Motorsport’ days, delivered with our partner Veloce Racing, including Solihull Moors Football Club, Sheffield Girls School and Totley Primary School and Newham Primary School, showcase how the thrilling world of motorsport intersects with sustainability and STEM. Throughout the day, children explore how clean energy powers innovation in motorsport through interactive demonstrations and hands-on activities. From learning about electric vehicles to understanding energy-efficient systems, the events spark curiosity and highlight the potential of a career in STEM fields.

Plus, our brand-new Net Zero Solutions Centre in collaboration with Dudley College is taking  shape, training tomorrow's green energy leaders with the tools they need to transform the future. Our new green training academy in Kingswinford is home to our new net zero training academy, where we’re training engineers from across the country to make sure the energy in our homes can be cleaner, greener and more affordable for customers.

The future is bright

Investing in education and training is not just about meeting industry demands; it's about creating opportunities and ensuring an inclusive, and successful energy transition. By equipping young people with necessary skills, we can bridge the green skills gap and power a sustainable future.

This is just a glimpse of what we do at E.ON to inspire and educate future generations. We’re constantly working hard to expand our initiatives, exploring new ways to engage with communities, and finding innovative methods to bridge the gap between education and sustainability.

Whether it’s through hands-on events, training programs, or partnerships with local organisations, our commitment to empowering individuals and fostering a greener future is always growing.

Together, we can power a brighter, greener future.