As the energy transition accelerates, the need for highly skilled professionals continues to grow — and many companies are feeling the pressure. With net-zero targets looming and major investment flooding into renewable infrastructure, energy businesses face a crucial question:
How do you build a team that’s not just fit for today — but ready for tomorrow?
At Jonathan Lee Recruitment, we’ve spent decades helping organisations across the energy lifecycle secure the right technical and engineering talent. In this follow-up to our blog Where Is the Energy Talent in 2025?, we focus on what hiring leaders can do to build long-term capability in an increasingly competitive market.
The Talent Challenge: A Quick Recap
- Over 277,000 new roles will need to be filled in the UK energy sector by 2050
- 76% of employers report difficulties finding qualified candidates
- Talent in areas like grid connection, HV electrical engineering, and hydrogen is in short supply
(Source: National Grid ESO, RenewableUK, Energy & Utility Skills)
With such a significant energy talent gap, the time to take action is now.
1. Start with Long-Term Workforce Planning
Building a future-ready energy team requires more than reactive hiring. Organisations that think strategically about workforce needs are in a stronger position to scale efficiently and maintain project delivery.
Ask yourself:
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What skills will be needed 6–12 months from now?
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Where are our current talent bottlenecks?
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Which roles are hardest to fill — and why?
Developing a workforce strategy that considers future project phases, upcoming bids, and succession planning is critical.
💡 Tip: Many companies we support begin by mapping “business-critical roles” across their energy value chain, then work with us to create pipelines of pre-qualified talent for them.
2. Upskill from Within and Cross-Train from Adjacent Industries
With new talent entering the market slowly, employers must think beyond traditional hiring pools. One of the most effective approaches is upskilling existing staff or transitioning candidates from similar sectors.
Roles in:
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Power generation
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Utilities
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Rail
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Aerospace or heavy manufacturing
…can often be successfully adapted into energy positions — particularly in renewables, battery storage, and hydrogen — with the right training.
🌍 Real-world example: We’ve helped clients transition experienced engineers from the oil & gas sector into net-zero infrastructure and clean hydrogen roles, providing targeted onboarding support.
3. Strengthen Your Employer Value Proposition (EVP)
In a market where candidates are approached frequently, how you position your brand matters. Today’s energy professionals are looking for more than just a salary:
- Purpose-driven work aligned with climate goals
- Clear progression and development opportunities
- Flexible working where appropriate
- Strong, authentic leadership
According to CV-Library, the average energy sector salary is £47,899, but pay alone won’t secure the best people.
We support clients in refining their EVP messaging to match what engineers, project managers, and specialists in the energy space are truly looking for.
📎 View our 10-Step Employer Branding Guide for Recruitment
4. Embrace Flexibility to Access Wider Talent Pools
The most agile energy employers are removing rigid hiring constraints. Small changes can open the door to a much broader pool of skilled professionals.
Consider flexibility in:
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Location (remote or hybrid where practical)
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Hours (compressed weeks or shifts)
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Contract types (interim, project-based, or permanent)
Many energy professionals now prioritise flexibility over perks — especially those balancing site work with personal or family commitments.
5. Work with a Specialist Energy Recruitment Partner
Speed, technical understanding, and precision are key when hiring in this space. That’s where a specialist recruitment agency like Jonathan Lee comes in.
By working with us, you gain:
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Access to passive and hard-to-reach candidates
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Market intelligence on rates, demand, and competitor hiring
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Rapid shortlisting and interview management
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Brand and candidate experience support
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Strategic advice across the renewables, power, and net-zero sectors
In the past 5 years alone, we’ve placed 300+ candidates at 100+ energy and sustainability businesses — from global corporations to UK energy and renewables start-ups.
Real Success: Supporting Scale-Up Energy Teams
One clean energy start-up came to us needing urgent support scaling their project team.
Over three years, we helped them:
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Recruit 5 catalyst researchers in just 3 months
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Hire process engineers, lab technicians, and fabricators
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Build a full multidisciplinary team, from design to operations
Through a mix of contract and permanent hires — and deep sector knowledge — we delivered talent exactly when and where it was needed.
Build Your Future-Ready Energy Team Today
With demand rising and competition intensifying, now is the time to take action. Whether you’re tackling a renewables project, preparing for grid expansion, or launching a hydrogen pilot — Jonathan Lee Recruitment is here to help you build the team that gets it done.
🔗 Learn more about our Energy Recruitment Services
Speak to Our Energy Recruitment Expert
If you’re planning ahead or facing urgent hiring challenges, get in touch:
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