The future of vocational training: Comparing attitudes towards traditional and renewable energy trades
Posted by: electime 6th August 2024
The job market is evolving, and so are young people’s choices in vocational training. Traditional trades like electricians and mechanics have always been seen as stable, well-paid careers. But renewable energy jobs, such as solar panel installation and wind turbine maintenance, are becoming popular due to increasing environmental concerns. This shift reflects changing values and career interests.
Confused.com’s energy experts surveyed UK 16-24-year-olds. They wanted to know their views on renewable energy trades vs. traditional vocational subjects.
What trades are people most interested in?
Top 10 trades young people would be most interested in studying for a career
1 Electrician 17.8 per cent
2 Mechanic 15.8 per cent
3 Bricklayer 11.9 per cent
4 Renewable Energy Technician 8.9 per cent
5 Carpenter & Joiner 8.2 per cent
6 Plumber 7.8 per cent
7 Solar Panel Installer 6.8 per cent
8 Biomass Technician 6.7 per cent
9 Plasterer 6.6 per cent
10 Wind Turbine Technician 5.8 per cent
Traditional trades, essential for construction and maintenance, show a higher overall interest. Electricians and mechanics are notably the most popular, likely due to established career paths, and access to education. However, renewable energy trades are emerging as attractive options, surpassing some well-established vocations such as plumbing and plastering.
When it comes to overall interest in either traditional or renewal energy vocational subjects, most young people stated they’d be interested in pursuing either (33 per cent). This indicates that there’s trust in future job opportunities for those wanting to get into renewables.
Why do people want to study traditional trades vs renewable trades?
Both traditional and renewable energy trades attract people for different reasons. A high salary is a big draw for both (50 per cent for traditional vs. 44 per cent for renewable energy). Flexibility is also important (37 per cent for traditional vs. 36 per cent for renewable energy). Job security is key too, with traditional trades slightly higher (35 per cent vs. 33 per cent).
Environmental impact is a much stronger draw for renewable energy courses (25 per cent vs. 18 per cent). Renewable energy’s 24 per cent and 21 per cent interest in its growth and job prospects exceed traditional energy’s 22 per cent and 19 per cent. On the other hand, traditional trades have a higher interest in self-employment opportunities (21 per cent vs. 18 per cent).
Both traditional and renewable energy vocational courses are valued for similar practical aspects. However, renewable energy courses have a unique appeal due to their environmental benefits and future growth potential.
How to access education for traditional trades vs renewable trades?
More young people know how to apply for apprenticeships in traditional vocational courses (68 per cent) than in renewable energy courses (56 per cent). In the North East, 65 per cent know how to apply for renewable energy apprenticeships, while only 46 per cent know how to apply in the South East.
When asked about local colleges offering renewable energy courses, responses were mixed. About 40 per cent knew these courses were available, 39 per cent were unsure, and 21 per cent said their colleges do not offer them. There is some uncertainty about renewable energy courses at local colleges. But, many respondents know they are available.
Which pays better? Traditional or renewable trades?
Top 10 trades believed to offer the highest salaries upon completing qualifications
1 Electrician 34.98 per cent
2 Renewable Energy Technician 25.99 per cent
3 Mechanic 24.14 per cent
4 Wind Turbine Technician 23.64 per cent
5 Biomass Technician 21.14 per cent
6 Solar Panel Installer 20.24 per cent
7 Plumber 18.29 per cent
8 Energy Storage Technician 17.44 per cent
9 Bricklayer 16.94 per cent
10 Heat Pump Engineer 13.89 per cent
Young people generally see electricians as offering the highest salaries. Next are renewable energy roles. They include renewable energy, wind turbine, and biomass technicians. Traditional trades, like mechanics and plumbers, also have significant earning potential.
Electric Vehicle Charging Point Installer was the least selected for the highest salary (13.7 per cent). However, it was seen as better paying than traditional trades like welder (12 per cent), carpenter & joiner (11 per cent), scaffolder (10 per cent), roofer (9.6 per cent), and plasterer (8 per cent).
Barriers to pursuing renewable energy trades
The biggest hurdle to pursuing renewable energy courses is a lack of information in schools. Over 43 per cent of young people stated that they’d want information about available training programs during school years, along with work placement opportunities during education.
Young people also believe there are few local jobs (25 per cent), high training costs (24 per cent), limited training locations (23 per cent), and unclear job prospects (22.5 per cent). They want higher apprenticeship salaries (41 per cent) and more help finding apprenticeships (39 per cent).
While traditional trades maintain a strong appeal, renewable energy vocational courses are increasingly seen as viable and attractive career paths. To encourage this transition, discussions in schools about renewable energy options, along with access to training facilities while being financially supported will see more enter the renewable energy workforce.
