CGC Oakgrove 4.0

Utility Services

Sector Outlook Utility companies provide essential services of gas, electricity, water and waste management to homes and businesses. The industry was dominated by large monopolies but now is fragmented into a number of companies competing for our custom both large and small. Some produce energy others distribute the energy and then there are those who retail it to us. The National Grid manages the extensive transmission network for England and Wales for gas and electricity. They have 31,000 miles of gas pipeline. The challenges for the industry are immense; moving to low carbon technology, rising demand and shifting to smar t technologies. In one example of forward planning the National Grid expects to supply power for 30 million electric cars by 2050. The industry has huge infrastructures that requires maintenance and improvement. For example, Thames Water services the London area and has a £1 billion-a-year investment programme. The industry expects to replace half of its current work force due to retirement by 2023. To manage their recruitment needs many companies have apprenticeship, school leaver and graduate programmes. The opportunities are wide ranging in the sector both in engineering and commercial roles. At interest in any STEM subject is an advantage as the demand for scientific and technical roles is high but you could also work in the industry in many other support functions. With expectations that renewables could create 500,000 jobs by 2020 the industry needs new talent whether you enter with GCSE’s, NVQ’s, A levels or a degree. For more information on the sector and to discover more about careers and routes go to www.thinkpowersector.co.uk.