British Gas has announced it will have more than 400 apprenticeship roles available in 2025 to help accelerate the drive to net zero.
The new apprentices will be helping customers with energy efficiency advice, fixing boilers and installing net zero measures to help customers save on bills and reduce their carbon emissions. British Gas is aiming to attract more women into these roles to close the gender gap in engineering as well as people from underrepresented backgrounds. Training will take place at the Ofsted regulated and award winning British Gas Academies.
It comes as new research by the company reveals a major shift in attitudes towards apprenticeships, challenging long-standing views on career and education choices.
The research shows over half (55%) of UK adults said their view of apprenticeships has improved since they finished school, while only 2% report a negative shift. Additionally, nearly a quarter (23%) would now consider an apprenticeship to change careers, marking a shift in how we view work, training, and future prospects.
When it comes to the reasons why, nearly three-quarters agreed apprenticeships offer a route to long-term job security, and two-thirds see them as means to build essential skills. Avoiding student debt (55%) and faster career progression than university (51%) also rank as key advantages.
Former Red Rose Six Nations Grand Slam Winner and British Gas Apprentice, Shaunagh Brown, enrolled on the apprenticeship scheme in 2010, before moving on to pursue a role as a commercial diver and then a firefighter with the Kent Fire and Rescue Service.
Shaunagh has always balanced her professional life with her sporting success and has now returned to British Gas through its pathways programme as a Brand Partnerships Executive, helping to activate British Gas' partnerships with organisations including Team GB and ParalympicsGB.
Shaunagh commented: “I always knew I wanted to pursue a career with earning potential as soon as I left school, and it’s really encouraging to see that so many people are recognising just how valuable apprenticeships can be.
“Along with developing new skills, more hands-on careers give you the chance to make a tangible difference to people’s lives, which can be extremely rewarding.”
To celebrate National Apprenticeship Week, British Gas is hosting open days at four of its UK academy sites in Hamilton in Glasgow, Thatcham in Berkshire, Dartford in Kent, and Leicester. The events give applicants the chance to learn more about the apprenticeships including a behind the scenes tour. To book a place, visit Apprenticeships | We're energising a greener, fairer future
Chris O’Shea, CEO of Centrica, parent company of British Gas added: “It’s vital that we reflect the diversity of the customers and communities we support, and we’re committed to creating the workforce of the future that can deliver the UK’s net zero ambitions. Our apprenticeship programmes are a brilliant opportunity for anyone who is interested in pursuing a career, whether it’s their first ever job or they’re looking for a career change. Our schemes not only offer the chance to learn new skills, but also an entry point to a lifelong career, with plenty of opportunity to grow.”
Minister for Skills, Jacqui Smith said: “Apprenticeships are central to this government’s Plan for Change — they break down barriers to opportunity and equip people of all ages and backgrounds with the skills they need to go on to rewarding careers. They also drive growth by giving businesses the workforce they need in key sectors of the economy.
“It’s great to see British Gas backing this mission by creating over 400 new apprenticeship roles in 2025 to help accelerate the drive to net zero. Their commitment demonstrates the real impact apprenticeships can have both for individuals and for businesses pushing our economy forward.
“We are fully committed to expanding opportunities even further. Through our reforms, including the introduction of Skills England and our new Growth and Skills offer, we will ensure even more apprentices join the pipeline of talent that will drive growth and power our mission-driven government.”
British Gas has a strong history of creating jobs and training in the UK with a commitment to hire 3,500 new apprentices to drive the energy transition by 2030. Apprenticeships provide the opportunity to earn whilst learning and create sustainable career paths. The company also provides Pathway programmes for both ex-forces, with an aim of hiring at least 500 by 2026, and for former athletes which includes the opportunity to start a new career as an apprentice.
For more information and to apply visit: www.lifeatcentrica.com
