The Renewable Energy Industry: Employment Opportunities and Increased Demand for Trained Personnel

The renewable energy sector is booming, bringing with it employment opportunities and increased demand for personnel. As more countries commit to reducing carbon emissions, the renewable energy industry is vital in meeting this challenge. This rapidly expanding industry has created a surge in job opportunities with an urgent need for a skilled workforce.

One key driver for this rapid growth is the devastating effects that non-renewable energy sources have on our planet. Another is the increasing affordability of renewable energy technologies such as solar and wind power. Renewable energy sources are now more appealing than traditional fossil fuel-based sources. As a result, many countries are setting ambitious targets to increase their share of renewable energy in the energy mix. At present, about 30% of the world’s electricity comes from renewables, including hydropower, solar and wind among others.[1] This percentage must increase rapidly if we are to succeed in halting the planet’s rising temperature, minimising rising sea levels and sustaining ecosystems.

This article will highlight the rise in employment opportunities and increased demand for personnel within the renewable energy industry, the desperate need for industry experts and the training opportunities the Renewable Energy Institute (REI) can provide to aid in creating a skilled workforce.

Employment opportunities and demand for personnel

According to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), renewable energy employment worldwide reached 12.7 million jobs in 2022, with Solar Photovoltaics accounting for the largest share of jobs in the sector.[2] This figure is expected to reach 42 million by 2050. This growth presents significant employment opportunities for those who want to build a career in renewable energy. Studying with the REI can equip participants with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in this growing industry.

World Economic Forum –

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Key employment facts

• At 4 million workers, the solar PV industry employs a third of the total renewable energy workforce.[4]
• Wind power supports 1.25 million jobs. The offshore segment is gaining prominence, as multiple countries build or expand their domestic industrial base.[5]
• Women account for one-third of the global renewables workforce.[6]
• As of 2018 the country hosting the most jobs was China, with just over 4 million employees in its strong photovoltaics and wind power industries.[7]

The types of jobs available in the renewable energy sector are diverse, ranging from engineering, installation and maintenance to project management, consultancy and finance. To meet the demands of the sector, training courses are being developed to equip people with the skills they need to succeed in the renewable energy industry.

High salaries

Renewable energy professionals are in high demand, and this demand is translating into high salaries and job security. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for wind turbine service technicians was $56,260 in May 2020. The median annual wage for solar photovoltaic installers was $47,670.[8]

Salaries within the renewable energy sector are increasing at a higher rate than in the traditional energy sectors of oil and gas. According to UK government reports, the starting salary for a junior engineer in the renewables sector is around £30,000. The expectation is that senior engineers and managers can earn on average £52,000+ and directors £72,000+. The average wage for a Renewable Energy Consultant in the UK stands at around £45,000+ with Renewable Energy Project Managers earning an average of £49,000+.[9]

Experience, background knowledge and region of work will factor into the salaries achievable and figures stated are not guaranteed.

Job security and development

Renewable energy jobs are generally more stable than jobs in other industries, as the importance of renewable energy has become increasingly evident as the world struggles to combat climate change.  

As traditional energy sources are being forced out the renewable energy industry continues to expand, with ongoing professional development required to stay up to date with the latest technologies.

Following initial training, many renewable energy companies offer on-the-job training and apprenticeships to help people develop the skills and experience they need to work in the sector. This is particularly important for people who may not have a formal background in engineering or related fields. It is always best to ask employers if this is an option they can provide.

The employment opportunities and increased demand for personnel in the renewable energy sector presents a significant opportunity for job seekers, particularly those who are looking for work in a growing industry with strong long-term prospects. This shift towards cleaner, sustainable, and renewable energy sources has created a demand for professionals with specialised knowledge in renewable energy, making it a promising career path. One way to gain this knowledge is by studying accredited renewable energy training courses.

The REI is a leading provider of renewable energy training courses, offering a wide range of programs that cater to different levels of experience and knowledge. Whether you are new to the industry or looking to advance your skills, the REI has a program that can help you achieve your goals. Here are some reasons why you should consider studying renewable energy courses with the REI:

Diverse career paths

Studying renewable energy courses with the REI can open diverse career paths in the renewable energy industry. Renewable energy professionals can work in a range of sectors, including wind, solar, hydro, geothermal, biomass energy and many other technologies. These professionals can work in various roles, such as project managers, engineers, technicians, sales representatives, and policy analysts, among others. With such a wide range of options, studying with the REI can help find a career path that aligns with participants interests and goals.

International industry-recognised certificates

The Renewable Energy Institute is an SQA-accredited, professional body and training provider with over 45 years of experience delivering world-class training courses. The REI’s training courses and the overall pathway for the Master in Renewable Energy Award is accredited by the CPD Accreditation Service. Once participants complete a course, they will automatically become a Member of the REI, providing industry recognition to help them stand out in the job market, log annual CPD progression, and receive news and updates on the industry.

The Galileo Master Certificate (GMC) is an internationally recognised certificate in renewable energy and energy efficiency. The certificate is awarded directly by the Renewable Energy Institute. For every course studied, there is an opportunity to sit the exam to achieve a GMC. If studying an Expert Certificate or the Accredited Master in Renewable Energy Award, multiple GMCs can be achieved. Previous GMC achievers include the National Grid, the World Bank, the BBC, Volkswagen, MOD, DNV, Scottish Power and many more.

Continuous professional development

The renewable energy industry is constantly progressing, making it vital for those involved to practice continuous development. All courses are accredited by the CPD Accreditation Service and provide Continuous Professional Development Hours as well as professional education. The theoretical training of how to apply the technologies in a real-world working environment will create an invaluable skill set. Regardless of industry, there is an increasing expectation of the workforce to undertake ongoing professional development throughout their career to keep on top of new developments, learn new skills and ensure qualifications remain current and valid. A renewable energy course with the REI is an empowering step toward career progression.

Flexibility with 100% online training

The Renewable Energy Institute’s renowned online courses are open to participants worldwide, regardless of which country or time-zone they live in. With 24/7 access to all the course materials, including the tutorial videos taken from the live classroom courses, participants can study from any location, whenever it suits them best.

Participants who prefer more interactive study can join the REI’s Live Virtual Classroom courses. These are delivered using innovative virtual classroom platforms and provide the opportunity to network with the lecturer and other delegates. This is a fantastic chance to hear about other renewable energy projects underway around the world.

Accessible for everyone

The REI’s accredited Master in Renewable Energy Award has been designed to educate individuals with an in-depth overview of the sector as a whole and to expand their knowledge in specific technologies which are of most interest to them and their career development. With access to 15 renewable energy and energy efficiency courses, participants can study a wide range of technologies to kick start a new career path or advance in their current role. 

The REI’s training courses are open to everyone who has an interest in renewable energy and energy efficiency. The courses will take participants through the basic concepts before advancing to in-depth knowledge. Courses are suitable for people of all levels of experience.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the rise in employment opportunities and increased demand for personnel in the renewable energy sector have created a skills gap that can be addressed with certifications such as the Galileo Master Certificate. Studying with the globally recognised REI includes a range of benefits, including access to 15 different renewable energy training courses, opportunities for diverse career paths, industry-recognised certificates and REI membership; access to members-only events, regular membership bulletins and early access to our latest articles. We will also highlight any job opportunities available within the renewable energy industry.

With the demand for renewable energy professionals expected to continue growing, now is an excellent time to consider studying with the REI to start or progress a career in the renewable energy industry. Governments, educational institutions, and industry leaders must work together to ensure that there are enough skilled workers to meet the demand for renewable energy technologies and projects. For job seekers, the renewable energy sector presents significant opportunities, with a diverse range of jobs and strong long-term prospects.

Browse all available REI training courses here: https://www.renewableinstitute.org/training-courses/

[1] https://www.openaccessgovernment.org/salaries-in-renewable-energy/71653/

[2] https://www.irena.org/News/pressreleases/2022/Sep/Renewable-Energy-Jobs-Hit-12-7-Million-Globally#:~:text=Renewable%20Energy%20Jobs%20Hit%2012%207%20Million%20Globally

[3] https://www.ilo.org/wcmsp5/groups/public/—dgreports/—dcomm/documents/publication/wcms_856649.pdf

[4] https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2021/10/renewable-energy-jobs-grew-globally-2020-covid-19

[5] https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2021/10/renewable-energy-jobs-grew-globally-2020-covid-19

[6] https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2021/10/renewable-energy-jobs-grew-globally-2020-covid-19

[7] https://www.statista.com/chart/18694/renewable-energy-employment-worldwide-by-branch/

[8] https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes472231.htm

[9]https://www.payscale.com/research/UK/Job=Renewable_Energy_Consultant/Salary?_ga=2.43032481.567419366.1678707907-1777389530.1633091958