Ovo plans to bridge skills gap with apprenticeship

Green energy supplier Ovo has announced plans to bring back its Smart Meter Engineer apprenticeships to help bridge the green skills gap and diversity the workforce.

The scheme, which particularly encourages applications from women and non-binary people, aims for as many as possible to apply for its apprenticeship scheme.

Research conducted by the International Energy Agency concluded women make up only 16% of the energy sector and the firm hopes more recruitment can occur through the apprenticeship route. The most significant barrier to breaking into the industry was ‘knowing where to start’ (61%), according to the survey. To date, over a quarter of applicants have been women, exceeding the industry average.

Aiming to hire 150 new apprentices by June, candidates who complete the full 54 week course will qualify with a Level 2 Diploma in Smart Metering and will be enrolled in full time employment at the firm.

Every apprentice will receive a competitive salary with all training fully paid for by the apprenticeship levy, ensuring apprenticeships do not bear any costs associated with the programme.  Candidates are not required to have any qualifications prior to enrolling – just a UK driving licence.

The firm launched the OVO Tech Academy last year – an apprenticeship programme focused on supporting more people to kickstart a career in software engineering. 

Smart home technologies play a vital role in the green energy transition. By enabling households greater control over their energy consumption, they help accelerate the decarbonisation of the energy grid as the UK heads towards net zero by 2035.

Charlotte Eaton, Chief People Officer, said: “Smart Meter Engineers play an increasingly significant role in both the UK and OVO’s pathway to decarbonising homes. Fair representation is a value OVO holds at its core, so we encourage as many women and non-binary people as possible who are passionate about fighting the climate crisis to enrol. I look forward to welcoming them onboard our journey to net zero.”

Image courtesy of Ovo

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