Without the energy and utilities industry everything would grind to a halt, so it follows that a career in this crucial industry is meaningful and rewarding. And it?s an exciting time to join the sector with the development of new green energy technologies in the face of climate change and the creation of many new jobs in the renewable energy sector.

The industry is vast, employing more than half a million people in the UK in everything from waste and water management and nuclear power to renewable energy industries and energy conservation.
Though the industry has been affected by the recession and tighter environmental regulations, a further 14,000 jobs are expected to be created over the next decade. Many companies in this industry have graduate recruitment schemes, and scientific and engineering expertise is in high demand.

As well as engineers and research scientists, the sector also employs geologists, ecologists and a wide range of support staff including health and safety managers, business consultants, and IT and marketing staff.

Working hours in the energy and utilities industry vary considerably depending on the kind of work you do. If you are based in an office or laboratory then you are likely to work normal hours Monday to Friday. But technical workers in the field often work irregular hours and are sometimes based in remote locations.