As the UK accelerates its journey towards net zero, the demand for skilled people who can design, deliver and operate low-carbon infrastructure has never been greater. Supporting the next generation of green professionals isn’t just a nice-to-have, it’s essential to achieving a sustainable future.

At 1Energy, we believe that every major low-carbon project is also a chance to create opportunity, build local skills and inspire future talent. That’s why education, skills and delivering social value are at the heart of how we work.

Empowering the Next Generation

So how does this work in practical terms? Across the UK we’re already working with local education partners to help students connect their learning to real-world innovation and create pathways for long-term skilled jobs. At school, college and university level we’re hosting heat network masterclasses, guest lectures and on-site experiences, to give young people a first-hand view of how large-scale sustainable infrastructure projects come to life.

Just this week we hosted a guest lecture at the University of Bradford for Mechanical Engineering Undergrad and Masters Students on delivering Heat Networks in the UK, following our delivery last month of the first of two Heat Network Masterclasses at Bradford College for Year 1 T Level Design, Surveying and Planning students.

In the session at Bradford College, led by James Brass and Angus Wardlaw from 1Energy, students were introduced to cutting-edge technologies, learned how heat networks operate, and heard about the wide range of careers emerging in this fast-growing sector. In the next session we’ll be taking them to visit the new Energy Centre as it nears completion, gaining practical insight into the technologies and systems driving the city’s low-carbon transition

For students starting out on their career, this provides insight into the innovative and sustainable new approach to how their city will be heated, while inspiring them to think differently about future career opportunities in engineering, construction and design.

Turning Infrastructure into Opportunity

Beyond classroom engagement, we’re developing a range of hands-on learning opportunities, from site visits to work placements and new apprenticeships linked to our projects across UK cities including Bradford, Exeter, Milton Keynes, Derby and Oxford.

In Bradford, alongside our education initiatives at the University and College we’re delivering a range of apprenticeships and placements that will provide real-life practical experience for the next generation, providing a pathway to green career opportunities.

Meanwhile in Exeter we’ve recently welcomed two apprentices from Bicton College, who are joining our construction team to gain first-hand, on-site experience as part of the practical component of their course. These placements will give them valuable exposure to the design and delivery of a live heat network, helping to turn classroom learning into real-world skills.

By embedding education and training into our projects, we ensure that the benefits of the low-carbon transition are shared locally — supporting green skill building, creating career pathways and strengthening the communities we serve.

Building a Greener Future, Together

While our primary objective is to support the UK’s cities to decarbonise heat and reach net zero, we are also committed to building a platform for green jobs and skills. Supporting green careers isn’t just about filling skills gaps; it’s about inspiring people to be part of something bigger – a collective effort to decarbonise the way we live, work and power our cities.

At 1Energy, we’re proud to play our part — helping to shape the next generation of talent that will keep driving the UK’s transition to a cleaner, smarter, more sustainable future. Because building a greener future starts with investing in the people who will make it possible.