If there’s one thing you can say about the energy sector with absolute confidence, it’s that nothing stays still for long. Every time you think you’ve caught up, along comes another project, another technology, or another regulation that pushes everything forward again. It’s exciting, but it can also feel like you’re constantly having to sharpen your toolkit just to keep pace.

With 2026 shaping up to be another huge year - especially across offshore wind, nuclear, grid expansion and new hydrogen projects - the question people keep asking us is simple: “Which skills are actually going to matter most?”

Below, we’ve pulled together the abilities employers keep asking for, plus some realistic ways to start developing them (even if you’re switching careers or just getting started).

1. Offshore Wind Turbine Maintenance and Technician Skills

Offshore wind is still the giant of the UK energy mix, and it’s only getting bigger. We regularly see companies hiring technicians who can work confidently on modern turbine systems, carry out inspections, and troubleshoot electrical or mechanical faults offshore.

What employers are really looking for:

• Strong mechanical / electrical fundamentals
• Comfortable with HV / LV equipment
• Experience reading technical drawings
• SCADA familiarity
• GWO certifications (these are almost non-negotiable now)

How you can start building this:

If you’ve got a background as an electrician, mechanic, or service engineer, you’re already halfway there. Add your GWO courses, then look into offshore medicals and safety training. For newcomers, the GWO route plus a foundation electrical / mechanical qualification is the most direct pathway.

2. High-Voltage & Grid Infrastructure Expertise

The grid is under huge pressure to modernise, so HV specialists are becoming some of the most sought-after people in the industry.

The skills companies keep mentioning:

• HV switching
• Cable jointing
• Protection systems
• Commissioning experience
• Understanding of live network environments

How to develop this skillset:

Hands-on electrical experience is the best foundation. From there, look for HV awareness courses and vendor-specific programmes (often offered by grid contractors). If you’re aiming for senior roles, a leadership or project coordination qualification helps massively.

3. Nuclear Knowledge & Safety-Critical Mindset

Nuclear continues to grow steadily - and with Sizewell C in the spotlight, demand is only increasing. You don’t need to come from a nuclear plant to work in nuclear; what employers want most is discipline, safety awareness, and a consistent way of working.

Common requirements include:

• Mechanical, electrical or C&I skills
• Confidence working within strict safety frameworks
• Understanding of permit-to-work systems
• Experience in regulated environments (offshore, aviation, defence, pharma)

How to get started:

Highlight any safety-critical experience you already have. If you don’t, you can build it through process-heavy industries or by completing safety management courses.

4. SCADA, Data & Digital Monitoring Skills

Energy assets now rely heavily on digital monitoring. You don’t need to be a “tech person,” but you do need to be comfortable with the systems that keep everything running.

Skills that employers increasingly ask for:

• SCADA operation
• Basic data interpretation
• Simple scripting (Python or SQL is more than enough)
• Condition-based maintenance awareness

Where to build these skills:

Many training providers offer intro courses. Even free online SCADA simulations can give you familiarity. Pair light data skills with technical experience and you instantly stand out.

5. Health, Safety & Environmental (HSE) Expertise

HSE roles remain absolutely central to the energy sector. As projects grow - and regulations tighten - companies want people who can ensure safe working environments without slowing down operations.

What matters most:

• NEBOSH qualifications
• Accident / incident investigation experience
• Strong communication style
• The ability to influence behaviour, not just enforce rules

How to develop this:

NEBOSH General is the obvious starting point. If you already work on-site, support audits and toolbox talks to gain practical insight.

6. Project Coordination, Planning & Logistics

Behind every successful energy project is someone making sure the paperwork, people, procurement, and schedules all line up. It’s a role that suits organised people who like being “the glue” that holds everything together.

Skills employers appreciate:

• Scheduling and resource tracking
• Knowledge of project tools (SharePoint, SAP, Maximo, Oracle, etc.)
• Document control
• Clear communication
• Ability to work with engineers, managers and contractors at the same time

How to build it:

Many people step into this from admin, procurement, HR or technical support backgrounds. Even helping run small projects at your current job builds credibility.

7. Hydrogen & Emerging Energy Skills

Hydrogen won’t take over the world in 2026, but the roles tied to it are growing. What companies want right now is awareness - not full-on specialism.

Useful skills include:

• Gas handling
• Process safety
• Pressure systems knowledge
• Basic chemistry

How to get ahead:

A short hydrogen awareness course goes a long way. If you’ve worked with gas, liquids, chemicals, or pressure vessels, make sure you highlight it.

8. The Soft Skills Everyone Forgets (But Employers Don’t)

This might surprise you, but the qualities we hear employers ask for more than anything else aren’t always technical.

They’re looking for:

• Reliability
• Good communication
• Problem-solving
• Calmness under pressure
• Team mentality

In energy, projects succeed because people trust each other. Soft skills really do matter.

How to Make Yourself More Employable in 2026

1. Show that you’re actually moving forward

You don’t need a wall full of certificates to convince anyone you’re developing. What really matters is proving you’re putting the effort in - even if it’s just a short course here and there, shadowing a colleague, or picking up extra responsibilities. Small steps are still steps, and employers notice that kind of momentum.

2. Make your CV feel like it belongs in the energy world

Instead of relying on generic bullet points, talk about the real things you’ve worked with - the actual tools, systems, equipment, sites, or processes you’ve handled. Employers care far more about what you’ve done in real working conditions than a list of buzzwords. The more your CV sounds like someone who’s genuinely been there, the better.

3. Speak to recruiters who actually understand the sector

Energy roles aren’t like general office jobs, and you can usually tell straight away when someone hasn’t worked with technical candidates before. Someone who specialises in the industry will know what an HV technician does, why GWO qualifications matter, and which employers are looking for what. You’ll get advice that’s a lot more specific - and a lot more useful.

Final Thoughts

The most valuable skill in the energy sector isn’t HV switching or SCADA or turbine maintenance. It’s adaptability. The industry moves quickly, and the people who do well are the ones who stay curious and keep adding new tools to their belt.

Whether you’re looking to develop technically, move offshore, switch into nuclear, or explore emerging fields like hydrogen, 2026 is full of opportunity. And if you want personalised advice on which direction fits you best, the People with Energy team is always happy to talk through your options.