You don’t need us to tell you that demand for renewable energy talent is booming. The UK’s drive towards net-zero is reshaping entire industries, and engineers are at the heart of it.
But while investment and opportunity are growing fast, the challenge of building the teams to deliver this vision is pro ving harder than many businesses expected.
If you’re finding it difficult to hire and retain the engineering talent your renewables projects need, you’re not alone. 81% of employers in engineering, construction and infrastructure report trouble securing suitable applicants.
This hiring environment isn’t just a challenge. It’s also an opportunity. Companies taking a more strategic approach now will deliver projects faster, innovate more effectively, and strengthen their brand in this fast-evolving market.
Here are five things to focus on if you want to attract and retain the right engineering talent and avoid falling behind.
Think bigger when building your talent pool
Demand is growing fast. The UK government has committed to quadrupling offshore wind capacity by 2030, aiming for up to 60 GW. Green roles in solar, battery storage and other sectors are also rising steadily.
That’s why smart employers are broadening their view of talent. A PwC report found that 90% of oil and gas engineers have the qualifications to transition into renewables, yet many organisations overlook this opportunity.
Rather than limiting your search to directly experienced hires, focus on core engineering capability, adaptability and motivation. With the right support, the best hires may come from places you wouldn’t expect.
Make purpose your competitive edge
Many engineers choose renewables for more than just salary. They want their work to have meaning. Yet too many job adverts focus only on compensation and job specs.
Use every stage of your hiring process to communicate what makes your organisation different. Share your sustainability goals, project outcomes and innovation stories. Involving existing team members in your employer branding can make a genuine
difference.
Younger workers are prioritising purpose-driven careers. Engineers, particularly early-career talent, want to feel like they are part of something that matters. Make sure your brand shows them why you are the right place to build their future.
Move fast, with purpose
Hiring speed is a competitive advantage. Skilled engineers are in demand across every sector, and a slow or disjointed hiring process will quickly lose them to more agile employers.
A fast process doesn’t mean cutting corners. It means planning effectively:
- Align salary, role scope and timelines early
- Keep communication regular and clear throughout
- Involve key decision-makers at the right points to avoid delays
A well-run process builds trust and makes a strong impression in a market where candidate experience can influence your wider reputation.
The ECITB Labour Forecasting Tool predicts that the number of engineers needed in the energy sector will grow by 19% by 2030, meaning today’s talent pipelines must look far beyond short-term needs.
Build your pipeline before you need it
Too often, engineering recruitment in renewables is reactive. A project starts, a vacancy opens, and the search begins under pressure. But in a talent-short market, this puts you at a disadvantage.
Start building a future-focused pipeline now:
- Engage with universities and training providers
- Build relationships with candidates before roles are open
- Keep in touch with past applicants and high-potential profiles
- Work with a recruitment partner who understands the renewables market and can introduce talent early
When your next vacancy arises, having these relationships in place can save you weeks of time and help you make better long-term hiring decisions.
Get the right support and the right partner
Renewables engineering is evolving quickly. Projects are complex, timelines are tight, and skills are scarce. You don’t have to manage it all alone.
A specialist recruitment partner can help you:
- Access broader talent pools, including those from adjacent sectors
- Understand salary benchmarks and market movements
- Improve candidate engagement and retention
- Strengthen your employer brand in technical communities
- Plan for future growth, not just immediate gaps
Hiring engineers for renewables has never been more competitive, or more important.
The right hires today will form the foundation for future growth, innovation and delivery. The organisations that invest in smarter, more strategic hiring now will be the ones leading the energy transition.
Call the experts
Our dedicated engineering recruitment team supports businesses across renewables with long-term hiring strategies, fast project support and sector-specific expertise.
If you’re building your team, planning, or struggling to find the right engineers, we can help. Let’s build your engineering team for the future.
