British Gas has used National Apprenticeship Week to announce it will have more than 400 apprenticeship roles available in 2025 to help accelerate the drive to net zero.
The new apprentices will be helping customers with energy efficiency advice, fixing boilers and installing net zero measures to help customers save on bills and reduce their carbon emissions. British Gas is aiming to attract more women into these roles to close the gender gap in engineering as well as people from underrepresented backgrounds. Training will take place at the Ofsted regulated and award winning British Gas Academies.
It comes as new research by the company reveals a major shift in attitudes towards apprenticeships, challenging long-standing views on career and education choices.
The research shows over half (55%) of UK adults said their view of apprenticeships has improved since they finished school, while only 2% report a negative shift. Additionally, nearly a quarter (23%) would now consider an apprenticeship to change careers, marking a shift in how we view work, training, and future prospects.
When it comes to the reasons why, nearly three-quarters agreed apprenticeships offer a route to long-term job security, and two-thirds see them as means to build essential skills. Avoiding student debt (55%) and faster career progression than university (51%) also rank as key advantages.
Chris O’Shea, CEO of Centrica, parent company of British Gas added: “It’s vital that we reflect the diversity of the customers and communities we support, and we’re committed to creating the workforce of the future that can deliver the UK’s net zero ambitions. Our apprenticeship programmes are a brilliant opportunity for anyone who is interested in pursuing a career, whether it’s their first ever job or they’re looking for a career change. Our schemes not only offer the chance to learn new skills, but also an entry point to a lifelong career, with plenty of opportunity to grow.”
