“Can We Fix It Areeba?” How an E.ON apprentice is joining forces with Bob the Builder™ to tackle the green skills challenge

As technologies such as solar panels, home batteries, electric vehicle chargers and low-carbon heating become increasingly important in the UK's energy transition, so too do the people with the skills to install, support and develop them.

That's the idea behind E.ON's latest campaign, which sees Britain's favourite builder return to learn new green skills. But while Bob is only just beginning that journey, Areeba Hussain is already well on her way.

When Areeba joined E.ON's Degree Apprenticeship programme, she expected to gain valuable experience, develop new skills and work towards a degree. She probably didn't expect to find herself transformed into a Bob the Builder character and meeting Neil Morrissey, the original voice behind the animation.

Yet that is exactly what happened when she was invited to take part in the campaign, helping demonstrate how developing new skills can open doors to exciting opportunities and rewarding careers.

Building skills for the future

Now in the third year of a Degree Apprenticeship in Digital and Technology Solutions, Areeba combines studying for a bachelor's degree with hands-on experience across different parts of the business.

"Choosing the apprenticeship scheme has genuinely been one of the best decisions I have made," she says. "I gain valuable hands-on experience while working towards my degree, which means I can put what I learn into practice in a real working environment."

Throughout her apprenticeship, she has worked across a range of placements, helping her develop new skills and gain experience in different areas of the business.

"Each placement gives me the chance to experience different areas and develop a wide range of skills," she says. "Some of my placements have involved building business solutions and supporting projects that improve the way different teams work."

The experience has also helped her build confidence and shape her future career ambitions.

"I've been given opportunities that I never imagined I would have. I've grown in confidence, developed new skills and met so many inspiring people along the way. It's really helped me understand what I'm capable of and the kind of career I want to build."

Why green skills matter

For Areeba, starting a career in the energy sector could not come at a more exciting time.

“Green skills matter to me because sustainability is shaping how we live and work,” she says.

And the energy transition is creating opportunities well beyond traditional engineering and construction roles.

“They aren’t limited to one job or industry. They shape the decisions we make, the technology we develop and how businesses operate.”

That range of possibilities is why she values working for an organisation shaping the future of energy.

"Businesses have a huge role to play in creating a more sustainable future," she says. "As someone building my career, I want to know that the work I'm contributing to is also helping to create positive change. It makes me proud to be part of an organisation that is thinking about its long-term impact and encouraging employees to do the same."

From apprentice to Bob the Builder* character

Although her apprenticeship has already provided opportunities she never expected, one experience stands out above all the others: becoming part of E.ON's latest Green Skills campaign with Bob the Builder.

"I didn't really know what to expect at first, but once I heard more, I knew it was something I wanted to be part of," she says.

For Areeba, the project felt particularly special because Bob the Builder had been such a familiar part of her childhood. The chance to combine an iconic character with a message about green skills and future careers immediately appealed.

"Combining someone as iconic as Bob the Builder with an important message about green skills and the future sounded like such a unique and exciting opportunity."

The experience became even more memorable when she saw herself transformed into a Bob the Builder character.

"I grew up watching Bob the Builder, so seeing myself turned into a character from something that was such a familiar part of my childhood was incredible," she says. "It definitely felt like one of those 'is this actually happening?' moments."

And the surprises didn't stop there. The campaign also gave her the chance to meet Neil Morrissey, who has returned as the voice of Bob for the latest production.

"It was completely surreal," she laughs. "I grew up listening to Neil as the voice of Bob the Builder, so hearing that voice in person was such a strange but amazing experience.

"At one point he said, 'Hey Areeba, can we fix it?' in the Bob the Builder voice, and I couldn't believe I was actually hearing him say my name," she says. "It was such a cool moment and definitely something I'll remember for a very long time."

Inspiring the next generation

For Areeba, the campaign's most important message is that there are more pathways than ever for young people to develop skills, build careers and make a difference.

"My biggest piece of advice would be to push yourself outside of your comfort zone and take as many opportunities as you can," she says. "You don't need to know everything when you're starting out and if you don't know something, there is always a way to learn."

She hopes the campaign will encourage more young people to explore career options they may not have previously considered.

"There are so many ways people can contribute to a greener future, including through technology and engineering which they might not immediately associate with sustainability," she says.

"If seeing people like me encourages even one young person to consider an apprenticeship, a career in technology or the part they could play, then I think that's something really special."