Inspiring the Next Generation: Why Growing the Solar Workforce Matters More Than Ever

The UK solar industry is expanding at its fastest pace in years, yet the sector is facing a critical challenge: a growing shortage of skilled people. As demand for renewable energy accelerates, the industry simply doesn’t have enough engineers, designers, project managers and technical specialists to deliver the scale of solar needed for the UK’s net-zero goals.

At Eden Sustainable, we believe that solving this challenge begins with inspiring the next generation. As a B Corp, our purpose extends beyond delivering clean energy solutions; it includes creating positive social impact and supporting long-term career pathways within our communities.

Why the Solar Skills Gap Matters

The solar industry has evolved rapidly. Large-scale projects, commercial rooftop systems, battery integration and smarter grid technologies all require a workforce equipped with modern skills. Yet research across the renewable energy sector highlights several challenges:

• An ageing workforce, with many experienced engineers approaching retirement

• A lack of awareness among young people about the variety of careers available in solar

• Regional skills gaps, especially in rural areas where opportunities aren’t always visible

• High training requirements, which can deter early-career entrants without clear support

• Fierce competition for technical talent across other fast-growing industries

Without a steady pipeline of new talent, the UK risks slowing its transition to cleaner, more resilient energy — and missing opportunities to create thousands of high-quality green jobs.

Partnering to Inspire Future Talent

To show young people the real careers behind renewable energy, Eden has been working closely with Solar Energy UK on their Real Stories initiative. The campaign showcases authentic career journeys within solar, from apprentices and junior technicians to project leads and innovators shaping the industry.

Led by former Director, Tracey Elliott, we collaborated with North Devon Moving Image (NDMI), a community film organisation that empowers young filmmakers. Together, we supported a team of talented young creatives to produce a series of films for the campaign.

This was a natural fit for many reasons:

• NDMI shares our passion for empowering young people, giving them real experience and a platform to showcase their skills.

• The partnership brought a fresh, authentic perspective, capturing the solar industry through the eyes of the next generation.

• Both organisations strive to open doors, create opportunities and shine a light on creative and technical futures available in the region.

Working with NDMI not only helped produce powerful, engaging content, but it also created meaningful development opportunities for young people who may one day choose a career in renewable energy.

Solar Energy UK - Real Stories

Investing in Our Own Team

At Eden, inspiring the next generation also begins at home. We are proud to support our team in furthering their skills and career progression through advanced qualifications. Two of our staff members are currently undertaking high-level apprenticeships that will strengthen both their individual capabilities and Eden’s overall expertise.

Victoria Walasik is studying a Level 7 Solicitor Apprenticeship, a qualification equivalent to a master’s degree. Eden is partially funding her studies, with the remainder government-funded. This apprenticeship will equip Victoria with advanced legal knowledge, specifically tailored to the energy sector, allowing her to provide robust legal guidance on contracts, regulatory compliance, and project development. Her expertise will strengthen Eden’s ability to navigate complex solar and renewable energy projects with confidence.

Rosie Robinson-Jones is completing a CertHE in Operational Management (Higher Apprenticeship). This qualification enhances Rosie’s leadership, planning, and operational management skills, helping her drive efficiency and effectiveness across Eden’s project delivery teams. Rosie’s development ensures that our projects are not only delivered on time and to budget but also aligned with Eden’s sustainability and impact goals.

Investing in these apprenticeships demonstrates how Eden combines personal development with organisational growth. By supporting our people, we empower them to make a measurable impact, benefiting their careers, our clients, and the wider renewable energy sector.

A Sector-Wide Responsibility

Growing the skills base can’t be achieved by one organisation alone. It requires collaboration across the industry. This is employers, training providers, educators, and community groups working together to raise awareness and make solar careers accessible.

That’s why our partnership with Solar Energy UK is so important. By supporting national campaigns, industry insight, and real storytelling, we can help make renewable energy careers visible, relatable, and inspiring.

Looking Ahead

There has never been a more important time to bring young people into the clean energy sector. The solar industry offers:

• High-growth, future-proof career opportunities

• Roles that genuinely contribute to climate action

• Careers spanning engineering, digital tech, data, design, project delivery and more

• The chance to make a tangible impact on communities and the planet

If the renewable energy industry is to keep pace with national climate ambition, we need to ignite excitement, broaden access and support young people as they take their first steps into the sector.

At Eden Sustainable, we’re proud to play our part and we’ll continue working with partners, communities and industry leaders to help build the solar workforce of tomorrow.