As National Apprenticeship Week kicks off, Dalcour Maclaren, a leading consultancy in land consent and environmental planning for major infrastructure projects, is calling on more businesses to invest in apprenticeship schemes to address the widening skills gap in the UK’s energy, utilities, and infrastructure sectors. These industries are crucial to achieving the UK’s Net Zero targets, but the talent pool is struggling to keep pace with the demand for skilled professionals.
In partnership with ITN, Dalcour Maclaren has released a video highlighting the importance of apprenticeships, which will be premiered during National Apprenticeship Week. The firm believes that apprenticeships are vital to bringing fresh talent into the sector, particularly as the UK energy sector faces a projected shortfall of 400,000 workers by 2050, according to National Grid. The gap is set to be filled by approximately 260,000 new roles, many of which are in green energy and infrastructure projects.
Andrew Barker, Managing Director of Dalcour Maclaren, stressed the need for businesses to act now: “The demand for skilled professionals is growing rapidly, yet the talent pipeline isn’t keeping up. Apprenticeships offer a real solution. By bringing in fresh talent and equipping them with the skills needed, we can ensure the continued success and growth of our industry.”
Joanna Middleton, Head of Talent Acquisition at Dalcour Maclaren, explained that the company aims to make the apprenticeship recruitment process engaging and personal. “We understand that for many young people, applying for an apprenticeship is their first experience of formal recruitment. To make it meaningful, we hold in-person assessment days where candidates can experience our culture first-hand,” she said. This personal touch is designed to attract the right candidates and offer them a glimpse of what it’s like to work at Dalcour Maclaren.
A major challenge in the industry is raising awareness about the wide range of career opportunities in green energy. Many young people are unaware of the diverse roles available in the Net Zero transition. Dalcour Maclaren is working to change this through partnerships, outreach initiatives, and industry associations that promote apprenticeships.
Izzy Small, an apprentice at Dalcour Maclaren, originally considered university but found the apprenticeship route a better fit. “I wanted hands-on experience, and Dalcour Maclaren offered a clear career pathway. I’m supported every step of the way,” she said. Apprentices like Izzy are developing essential skills through a combination of practical work and academic study, contributing to the long-term growth of the energy and infrastructure sectors.
As a proud member of The 5% Club, Dalcour Maclaren is committed to ensuring that at least 5% of its workforce is made up of apprentices, graduates, or other “future talent” roles. This commitment is in line with the company’s goal to be an employer of choice in the energy and infrastructure sectors.
With the UK’s journey to Net Zero in mind, Dalcour Maclaren is calling for more businesses to invest in apprenticeships to secure the skilled workforce needed for the challenges ahead. The firm believes apprenticeships are a key solution to addressing the skills shortage and ensuring the long-term success of the energy and infrastructure sectors.
