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Everybody’s talking about energy – where to get it and how to meet increasing global demand, all the while considering the environmental implications. Career prospects for graduates are better than ever.
Energy engineers face a global challenge: how to supply the world with increasing heat, light and power without destroying the environment in which we live.
Traditionally, our main source of energy has been fossil fuels, but most scientists believe the resulting emissions of carbon dioxide are contributing to climate change, and governments are now trying to reduce them. The UK aims to cut emissions by 60% by 2050.
Sarah Beacock, Professional Affairs Director, Energy Institute, says, ’There is huge interest in energy, but at the same time a shortage of scientific, engineering and technical skills. The energy industry is an exciting career option and offers some of the biggest technical challenges and therefore needs the brightest and best talent in order to solve the world’s future energy problems.’
Renewable energy
So, the race is on to seek out cleaner, more renewable sources of energy, and to find ways to change the way the world consumes it. Energy engineers are at the heart of these challenges.
Recent developments include BP’s hydrogen energy plant at Peterhead, which can produce virtually carbon-free electricity. The contribution of wind energy is also steadily increasing, with new offshore wind platforms being planned and wind farms appearing across the country.
Graduate jobs in the energy sector
Work in the energy sector is varied and challenging, and often involves working on projects abroad. Engineers are concerned with the design and development of efficient engineering applications and technologies for the exploration, production, transportation, transmission and utilisation of energy in all its forms.
Engineers are also involved in identifying energy savings; many energy managers in business have an engineering background, which helps them analyse consumption and recommend savings.
Job descriptions for graduate engineering careers in energy
- Chemical engineer
- Civil engineer
- Mineral engineer
- Petroleum engineer
- Power systems engineer
- Process engineer
Current energy production
The emphasis for the future is clearly on renewable energy, but the oil, gas and nuclear industries are still vital to the planet, and engineers are much in demand. Their challenge is to find ever-cleaner ways to produce the energy on which the planet depends.
Where can graduate engineers work?
A career in energy offers excellent training prospects and the opportunity to travel. Science-, engineering- and technology-based industries are suffering a worldwide shortage of skilled new recruits, and the energy sector is no different.
Engineers are always highly sought after and, as a result, can expect expanding pay packets and early advancement. Typical starting salaries for graduates are in the region of £28,000. Experienced chartered engineers can expect salaries averaging £55,000.
Professional bodies for graduate engineers in energy
The Energy Institute is the professional membership body for those working within the energy industry. It produces support for career development and chartered registration for engineers.
Members include those working in all the major energy companies, blue-chip businesses, engineering and manufacturing firms, public sector organisations and consultancies.
