Our people are at the very heart of delivering RWE’s ambition of achieving Net Zero by 2040; and expanding its green generation capacity to 50 gigawatts, with some £15 billion earmarked for the UK. RWE is committed to attracting and developing the next generation of green energy professionals with high quality training and long-term, skilled roles for the future. To demonstrate this commitment the company has launched a new apprenticeship hub and its 2022 intake programmes, which coincides with National Apprenticeship Week that runs from 7-13 February.
RWE is the UK’s second largest power producer, generating over 12% of all electricity in the UK and employing around 2600 people. This diverse operational portfolio of onshore wind, offshore wind, biomass, hydro and gas power plants is now looking to bolster its ranks by recruiting 14 people to support the company’s ambitious growth plans.
Tom Glover, RWE UK Country Chair said: “Through our apprentice programmes, we aim to find the engineers, technicians, project managers and IT specialists of the future to drive forward the growth of renewables and support our commodity trading activities. All of our apprentices come from the regions our power plants or business quarters are located in and will make a valuable contribution to the communities we operate within.”
RWE currently has 61 apprentices training in different businesses and varied positions across the UK; roles include wind technician, accounting technician, associate project manager, software development and software tester and engineering apprentice.
Commenting on her apprenticeship with RWE, Amelia Coulam, RWE offshore wind apprentice said; “The most enjoyable part of my apprenticeship so far is going offshore and getting work experience out in the field. Whilst offshore I was able to put all of my knowledge and skills I had learnt so far into practice. My advice for people thinking about an apprenticeship, is that it doesn’t matter on your background whether you come from engineering or a different industry, if you have a good attitude and personality, go for it.”
RWE Renewables has developed a national apprenticeship hub at Coleg Llandrillo in Wales where it has already successfully trained over 30 apprentices. The successful apprenticeship programme was first launched in 2012 to generate skilled wind technicians who could meet the growing needs of the offshore wind sector. Trainee wind turbine technicians will be stationed at some of the largest offshore wind farms in the UK including Triton Knoll, off the coast of Lincolnshire which is currently under construction.
RWE Supply & Trading are the interface between RWE and the energy markets around the world with offices in Swindon and London. The apprenticeship programme puts candidates at the heart of one of Europe’s largest energy trading companies and in 2020 was awarded by TheJobCrowd, the best employer in the UK for apprentices to work for. Energy trading is a fast-paced environment, this leads to the use and development of innovative technologies, making it a great place to start a career in IT.
The RWE schemes have been in place for over 50 years and have been continually adapted to match the energy market of today and to align them to the requirements of RWE’s ever evolving business. The programmes available last between two to four years, providing trainees with an in-depth understanding of the technical and practical skills required to work in the power and energy industry.
Apprentices are recruited through various assessment centres, after which the candidates complete an interview, team exercise and tests. For more information on RWE apprenticeship programmes go to uk-ireland.rwe.com/kickstart-your-career.
RWE is #2 in the world for offshore wind and is driving the development of the largest offshore wind pipeline in the UK. It has committed to investing €50 billion gross through to 2030 to expand its powerful and green generation capacity to 50 gigawatts, with around £15 billion earmarked for the UK.