Introduction:
As more people across the UK make conscious decisions to reduce carbon emissions and protect the planet, the renewable energy sector is expanding at pace. For those leaving the Royal Navy, British Army, or Royal Air Force, the growing demand for skilled and disciplined workers presents a wealth of opportunity.
In this article, we explore the wide range of roles available in the renewables industry, the types of military backgrounds that align well with the sector, and why this career path is becoming increasingly popular among service leavers.
1. What is the Renewables Sector?
The renewables sector focuses on generating clean, sustainable energy from sources that naturally replenish over time. These energy sources include:
- Wind power (onshore and offshore)
- Solar energy (photovoltaic panels, solar farms)
- Hydropower (rivers, dams, tidal energy)
- Biomass (organic materials like wood, crops, waste)
- Geothermal energy (heat from beneath the earth’s surface)
- Hydrogen and battery storage (emerging technologies)
These areas require a combination of hands-on skills, safety awareness, and the ability to work in dynamic environments, qualities which are second nature to ex-military professionals.
2. Common Jobs in the Renewables Sector
There are opportunities for both skilled and unskilled workers across project lifecycles, from planning and installation through to maintenance and decommissioning.
Skilled Roles
- Wind Turbine Technician
- Electrical or Mechanical Engineer
- Project Manager / Site Manager
- Health & Safety Advisor
- High Voltage Technician
- Marine Operations Coordinator
- Control Room Operator
- Environmental Consultant
- Cyber Security Specialist (Energy Infrastructure)
Unskilled / Entry-Level Roles
- Labourer / Site Operative
- Blade Inspection Assistant
- Warehouse Operative
- Cable Puller / Groundworker
- Trainee Wind Technician
- Solar Panel Installer (with training)
- Logistics Support
Many companies actively recruit for entry-level roles with full training provided, particularly for candidates with a military background and strong work ethic.
3. Military Careers That Transition Well
The following military trades and backgrounds are particularly well-suited to roles in renewables:
- Royal Navy Marine Engineering & Electrical Technicians → Ideal for offshore wind, maintenance, and technical roles.
- Army REME & Royal Engineers → Highly transferable into mechanical, electrical, and construction-based projects.
- RAF Ground Engineers and Technicians → Transition smoothly into wind turbine or solar energy roles due to their maintenance and safety experience.
- Logistics Personnel → Suited to supply chain, stores, and project support roles.
- Military Health & Safety Officers → Highly valued in high-risk energy environments.
- Royal Signals / Cyber & Comms Specialists → Increasingly in demand to secure energy infrastructure against cyber threats.
4. Why the Renewables Sector Appeals to Veterans
Many service leavers are drawn to renewables because it allows them to:
- Continue working outdoors or in physically engaging environments.
- Contribute to a larger mission, in this case, the future of the planet.
- Be part of a values-driven, innovative sector.
- Use their experience working in hazardous conditions or remote locations.
- Join teams with a strong sense of purpose and collaboration.
- It’s also worth noting that the sector offers clear progression routes, stable employment, and the chance to retrain using resettlement support.
5. Training & Qualifications
Depending on your desired role, you may need to complete additional training. Popular certifications include:
- GWO (Global Wind Organisation) Basic Safety Training.
- IRATA (for rope access and working at height).
- ECS / CSCS Cards for site work.
- IOSH / NEBOSH for health and safety roles.
- Electrical NVQs or CompEx (for hazardous environments).
- ELCAS Courses – many training providers offer approved learning that can be funded via your Enhanced Learning Credits (ELC)
Some companies provide in-house training for those with the right attitude and transferable experience, another reason this sector is so accessible to ex-forces.
6. Where in the UK Are the Opportunities?
The UK is a European leader in renewable energy, with high activity in:
- Offshore wind – particularly in the North Sea and around the east coast of England and Scotland.Solar energy – common in the South West, Wales, and the South East.
- Tidal/hydro energy – emerging projects in Wales and coastal Scotland.Battery and hydrogen – growing in innovation hubs like Teesside, Humber, and the Midland.
7. Getting Started – Tips for Service Leavers
- Use your resettlement briefings to explore renewables as a sector.
- Register on CivvyJobs.com and use keywords like renewables, wind, solar, or energy - register here
- Follow leading companies on LinkedIn and engage with their posts.
- Attend career fairs focused on energy, sustainability, or engineering.
- Speak to a recruitment consultant with experience placing ex-military candidates
Summary:
The renewables sector offers more than just jobs, it offers purpose, stability, and a future-focused career that aligns with the skills and values of those who have served. Whether you're looking for a hands-on technical role, a leadership position, or a fresh start, this booming industry is rich with opportunity.
At CivvyJobs.com, we’re proud to support ex-military jobseekers in connecting with meaningful employment.
Explore our latest renewables vacancies today and take the first step toward your next mission.
View our Renewables Sector jobs page - click here