In Astute’s latest recruitment insights blog, Kevin Over, Head of Astute’s Power recruitment team, looks at the jobs in the Power industry and explores the types of opportunities available and the employment opportunities within this vital sector.
The Power generation sector serves as the backbone of modern infrastructure, supplying electricity to homes, businesses, and industries worldwide.
Behind the flick of a switch lies a diverse array of jobs spanning engineering, operations, maintenance, and more.
Overview of the Power generation sector
The Power generation sector encompasses a broad spectrum of energy sources, each of which require a unique set of technologies, infrastructure, and workforce skills to harness and convert into usable electricity.
4 types of jobs in the Power industry
Engineering roles
- Electrical Engineers: Design, install, and maintain electrical systems and equipment in power plants.
- Mechanical Engineers: Oversee the operation and maintenance of turbines, generators, and other mechanical components.
- Civil Engineers: Plan and design infrastructure projects such as power plant construction, transmission lines, and substations.
Operations and Maintenance
- Plant Operators: Monitor and control the operation of power generation equipment to ensure efficiency and safety.
- Maintenance Technicians: Perform routine inspections, repairs, and preventive maintenance tasks on power plant machinery and systems.
- Control Room Operators: Manage plant operations and respond to emergencies from centralised control rooms.
Environmental and Regulatory Compliance:
- Environmental Engineers: Develop and implement strategies to minimise the environmental impact of power generation activities, such as emissions control and waste management.
- Regulatory Compliance Specialists: Ensure compliance with environmental regulations, safety standards, and permit requirements for power generation facilities.
Research and Development:
- Energy Analysts: Analyse data and trends to optimise Power generation processes, improve efficiency, and reduce costs.
Power generation jobs across the UK
The power generation sector in the UK stands as a significant contributor to employment opportunities, spanning various energy sources and subsectors.
In line with data provided by Energy UK, a leading trade association for the energy industry in the UK, approximately 743,000 people are directly or indirectly employment within the sector as of 2022.
These positions encompass a wide range of disciplines, including engineering, operations, maintenance, and administrative roles.
In addition to direct employment within power generation facilities, the sector also generates jobs in ancillary industries such as manufacturing, construction, and transportation.
These support industries play a crucial role in supplying equipment, materials, and services necessary for the operation and maintenance of power generation infrastructure.
Across the Power generation industry, 2021 witnessed substantial investment, totalling more than £13 billion.
These investments were instrumental in delivering power and energy to approximately 28 million households and businesses across the country.
The Power generation sector in the UK offers a robust job market with opportunities available across a spectrum of disciplines and industries.
From engineering and operations to support services and administration, there is a diverse array of Power generation jobs.
As the UK continues to prioritise energy security and sustainability, the demand for skilled professionals in power generation is expected to remain strong.
With ongoing investments in infrastructure and technological advancements, the sector will continue to play a pivotal role in powering the nation’s economy and driving job growth in the years to come.
About the author
Kevin Over is Astute’s Head of Power, having joined Power generation recruitment agency Astute in 2013 as a Resourcer before being promoted in 2014 to a Recruitment Consultant, 2016 a Senior Recruitment Consultant, 2017 a Team Leader.
As Head of Power, Kevin recruits permanent and contract power generation jobs such as Development, Construction and Operations Teams for leading businesses in the Operations & Maintenance, EPC and Development space. In 2014, he achieved his CertRP.
For a conversation about Power generation recruitment, email Kevin directly on kover@astutetechnical.co.uk – alternatively, connect with him on LinkedIn.
View our latest power generation jobs click here.
