Building the skills to power the energy transition

E.ON’s newest apprentices are starting careers with a clear purpose: to gain the experience and expertise that will help deliver the UK’s transition to cleaner, more affordable energy.

Working across the business, the new cohort will combine structured learning with hands-on experience, contributing to real projects from day one. Supported by colleagues, mentors and fellow apprentices, they will develop the technical, digital and professional capabilities needed as the energy sector evolves.

Growing demand for a different route into work

The cohort arrives as interest in E.ON’s degree apprenticeships reaches a new high. Applications per role have more than trebled in three years, rising from around 45 in 2023 to approximately 165 in 2026.

That increase reflects a broader shift in how young people are thinking about their next step. E.ON research among 16- to 18-year-olds found that 68% believe apprenticeships help people gain workplace skills faster than university, while 67% cited student debt as an important factor in their decision-making.

Purpose is also shaping career choices. Almost three in five teenagers surveyed (57%) believe green jobs are more valuable than traditional roles, and 45% would consider starting a green career now rather than following a traditional higher education route.

Isaac March and Kate Anderson have both started Electro-Mechanical Engineering Degree Apprenticeships this week:

Isaac said: “One of the main reasons I came to E.ON was how friendly and welcoming it felt. I’m an electromechanical engineering degree apprentice, and I’ve always loved building things and learning how they work. I started university but soon realised I wasn’t going to get the hands-on experience I wanted. This route felt like a no-brainer because I can gain a university qualification while building practical experience and making lots of connections along the way.”

Kate said: I learn best by doing, so being able to apply what I’m learning and see how it works in a real business really appealed to me. It’s also important to me that I can start making a difference early in my career. A degree apprenticeship means I can learn and make an impact at the same time. I chose E.ON because of the positive difference it makes in the UK and further afield. It’s such a friendly environment, and I felt welcome straight away.”

Creating the workforce E.ON needs

Investing in early careers strengthens E.ON’s future capability. Technology and infrastructure are vital to the energy transition, but progress also depends on people who can design, deliver and support new solutions. Developing talent at the outset of their careers will help create a diverse, adaptable workforce ready to deliver for customers, communities and the country.

Naomi Furlonger, Early Careers Talent Consultant for E.ON said:

“Delivering the energy transition will require talent across every part of E.ON. Our apprenticeship programmes provide accessible routes into green careers, combining academic study with practical experience in areas including engineering, data, project management, customer service and sustainability.

“We want every apprentice to feel supported and challenged, with the confidence to make a meaningful impact from the outset. In return, they will bring the fresh thinking and diverse perspectives E.ON needs for the future.”

A warm welcome

Named the UK’s Best Place to Work for 16- to 34-year-olds in The Sunday Times Best Places to Work 2025, E.ON offers a welcoming and supportive environment in which apprentices can thrive. Through varied experience, new challenges and opportunities to progress, the cohort can shape rewarding careers and make a lasting difference to the business.

Naomi continued: “We’re delighted to welcome our new apprentices and look forward to seeing them grow, build their careers and help power the energy transition.”

For more information about early careers at E.ON, including how to register interest in E.ON’s September 2027 degree apprenticeship intake, visit E.ON’s early careers page.