Where Is the Energy Talent in 2025?
As the global energy transition accelerates, the race for skilled professionals is intensifying. Whether you’re leading a green hydrogen pilot, managing offshore wind infrastructure, or scaling up grid connection capacity — talent is becoming the critical bottleneck.
At Jonathan Lee Recruitment, we’ve supported technical and engineering organisations across the energy sector for close to 50 years. In this article, we’ll explore the key energy recruitment trends for 2025, and how businesses like yours can stay ahead.
The Top Energy Talent Trends in 2025
1. Demand for Renewable Energy Professionals is Surging
Driven by net-zero targets and government incentives, investment in renewable energy projects is booming. But with that comes a huge increase in hiring demand.
Roles in solar, offshore wind, hydrogen, and energy storage are in high demand, including:
- High-voltage electrical engineers
- Grid connection specialists
- Project managers and planners
- Health & Safety (HSE) advisors
- Installation and commissioning technicians
Yet the supply of qualified candidates remains limited — especially in remote or high-demand regions.
🔄 According to recent CV-Library data, there are over 139,000 energy professionals registered on their platform, with just 7,000 registering in the past two months — a clear sign that while availability exists, new talent is entering the market slowly.
“We’re seeing the highest demand ever for grid, electrical, and commissioning engineers in renewables.” – Lee Elwell, Associate Director and Energy Recruitment Expert, Jonathan Lee Recruitment
2. Transferable Skills Are Gaining Value
With oil and gas expertise still relevant in hydrogen, CCUS and large-scale infrastructure, many employers are now cross-training candidates from adjacent industries.
Candidates with backgrounds in:
- Power generation
- Utilities
- Rail and infrastructure
- Heavy manufacturing
…are being successfully transitioned into clean energy roles with additional upskilling support.
3. Speed of Hiring Is a Differentiator
In 2025, top energy talent is often off the market in less than 2 weeks. Delays in feedback, long interview processes, or unclear offers are all risks to losing high-value candidates.
If your competitors are moving faster and offering clear progression and purpose, they’ll win the talent.
🔄 Despite rising demand, the average renewable energy engineering vacancy receives just 8 applications — underscoring how critical it is to move quickly and decisively when engaging talent. (CV Library)
The Energy Talent Gap – By the Numbers
According to recent UK government and industry research:
- Over 277,000 jobs will need to be filled in energy by 2050 to meet net-zero targets
- 76% of energy employers say they struggle to find qualified candidates
- 68% of companies are now considering contract or interim hires to meet immediate project needs
(Source: National Grid ESO, RenewableUK, Energy & Utility Skills)
🔄 While there are thousands of professionals available on major job boards, competition is fierce and many are being approached multiple times. Strong employer branding and clear differentiation are more important than ever.
How to Stand Out in a Competitive Talent Market
1. Refine Your Employer Value Proposition (EVP)
- Candidates want more than a salary. They want:
- Purpose-driven work
- Clear training and development
- Hybrid/flexible working where possible
- Strong leadership and values
🔄 In 2025, the average advertised salary in the energy sector stands at £47,899 (CV Library), but salary alone isn’t enough to attract or retain top-tier talent.
We work with clients to shape tailored EVP messaging that resonates with the niche energy talent they want to attract. You can find our 10 Steps to perfect your Employer Brand for recruitment guide here
2. Partner with a Specialist Energy Recruitment Agency
Working with an experienced energy recruitment agency gives you:
- Access to hidden passive talent
- Insights on salary and market conditions
- Help with employer branding and candidate experience
- Speed and precision in shortlisting
At Jonathan Lee Recruitment, we’ve helped place 300+ candidates at 100+ energy and renewable clients in the past 5 years.
🔄 For example, we supported one energy start-up through 20+ technical hires over three years, including:
- 5 catalyst researchers in 3 months
- Process engineers
- Lab and fabrication specialists
3. Offer Flexibility Where You Can
Remote and hybrid options — even part-time site visits — can dramatically increase your talent pool. Consider flexibility in:
- Location
- Hours
- Contract types (permanent, fixed-term, interim)
Our Energy Recruitment Expertise
We recruit across the full energy lifecycle:
- Renewables: Wind, solar, battery, hydrogen
- Power & Transmission: Grid, substations, HV
- Sustainability: Net-zero, circular economy, carbon capture
- Startups & Scaleups: Helping disruptive companies scale fast
Our energy recruitment team is built around technical understanding and real project experience.
🔄 We don’t just match CVs — we build project-ready teams.
Learn more about our Energy Recruitment services
Need Help with Your Energy Hiring?
Whether you’re struggling to find specialist talent or planning a team expansion, we’re here to help.
Contact our Energy Recruitment Expert Lee Elwell:
📞 01384 446154
📧 lee.elwell@jonlee.co.uk
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