What are green skills and how do they fit into the growing green technology landscape? We break down the basics. From solar to smart grids, here’s a quick snapshot of what you need to know about green tech and the growing green jobs market.

Technologies shaping the green energy sector

The green skills shortage is a global phenomenon. The UK currently faces a green energy skill gap of over 200,000 workers — a number that is likely to increase as the UK pursues 100% renewable energy by 2035. Sharing in the goal of 100% renewable energy is New Zealand, an objective set by the current Labour Party. In this pursuit, expertise in various areas is required, including solar power, wind power, energy storage, smart grids and electric vehicles.

Solar power

Solar power — a clean and renewable energy source — has a number of benefits, including its low environmental impact, scalability and potential to provide reliable power even during periods of peak demand. This green technology is enabled by four key professional categories: manufacturing, system design, project development, and installation and maintenance, which collectively support its implementation and ongoing operation. Across all professional categories, 700,000 new solar power jobs were created in 2022 alone. The following skillsets are sought after within each category:

• Manufacturing: Computer Numerical Control (CNC) Operators, Process Control Technicians and Instrumentation & Electronics Technicians.
• System design: Structural and Power Systems Engineers, Solar Energy Systems Designers and Software Engineers.
• Project development: Solar Marketing Specialists, Solar Utility Procurement Specialists and Building Inspectors.
• Installation & maintenance: HVAC technicians, Solar Service Technicians and Solar Installations Contractors.

Wind power

Wind power is actively shaping the green energy sector. To implement and operate wind power energy sources, there is currently a rising demand for those with expertise in data analytics, electrical systems, aerodynamics and simulation, among others. Within the five areas responsible for the operation and maintenance of wind power — engineering, design, construction, operation and maintenance — approximately half a million skilled workers will be needed in construction and maintenance alone by 2026.

Energy storage

Energy storage ensures energy sources are accessible when they are most needed. This is particularly important for renewables like solar and wind, which may not be consistently available.

There are several energy storage technologies, each possessing unique strengths and weaknesses: These include batteries, pumped hydro, and compressed air energy storage. Energy storage plays a transformative role in enhancing the reliability and affordability of renewable energy sources while reducing our dependence on fossil fuels.

Energy storage companies are looking for those who are competent in flywheels, pumped hydro, compressed air, and thermal storage, among others. The specific technical competencies required depend on the nature of the role — other relevant energy storage technological skills include software development, data analysis, modelling and simulation.

Smart grids

Smart grids are modern power grids that use digital technology to improve efficiency, reliability, and sustainability. Smart grids make use of various technologies including sensors, communication networks, and advanced control systems. These technologies enable utility companies to monitor and control the grid in real time, resulting in improved efficiency and reliability. Furthermore, smart grids play a vital role in integrating intermittent renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, into the existing power infrastructure.

There are various skills that are required of the engineers who work on smart grids: Linux, MATLAB programming, electric utility analysis, GIS, outage management, demand response and infrastructure management. The demand for such skills is projected to increase significantly as the global smart grid market is set to reach USD $207.82 billion by 2030, compared to 2022’s value of USD $50 billion.

Electric Vehicles (EVs)

With a projected UK skill shortage reaching the tens of thousands, Electric vehicles (EVs) are powered by electricity instead of gasoline or diesel —  considered a clean and efficient way to travel.

EVs have a number of benefits, including their lowered emissions, quiet operation and potential to reduce fuel costs. As technology continues to improve, EVs are becoming more affordable and accessible. In-demand EV-related technological competencies include software engineering, control system development, sensing and actuation technology, and vehicles & systems integration; the demand for these skills — and other associated EV competencies — is projected to grow 230% over the next five years.

A look into global demand

The global demand for workers in the green energy sector is steadily rising, as evidenced by a 29% higher median hiring rate compared to the 2023 workforce average. This trend shows no sign of slowing down – the number of green energy jobs is expected to increase by around 12 million by 2030. As only one in eight workers have the necessary skills to meet the rising green energy demand, employers are needing to ensure they stand out in today’s competitive tech marketplace to attract the best.

Whether you’re working in solar, wind, electric vehicles, or anything in between, at Talent, we bring together experts in tech, transformation and beyond. Learn more about our Green Tech specialisation here and our current job opportunities here.

With uncertainty being the only certainty of 2020, we can safely assume that the job hunt will be anything but ordinary. From lockdowns and quarantines, to restrictions and social distancing, it’s hard to know what the situation will be months, weeks and even days from now. So it really is an oxymoron when you read the statement ‘plan for an interview’. Plans get thrown out at the drop of face mask, so how can you really ‘plan’ for a meeting when you’re not even sure it’ll go ahead?

Lucky for us though, technology provides some stability in an otherwise unstable world. Virtual interviewing is the new buzzword, thrown around by companies far and wide, and we know why. Conducted remotely, you don’t even need to leave the safety of your own home to interact with others and embark on the job search. You can put your best virtual foot forward to land your dream job, all from your lounge room!

So what exactly can you do to succeed in these interviews? Here are our practical tips to score that role:

1. Prep your tech

Pretty simple, but make sure your tech is working. If you’re on a Zoom call and you sound like you’ve switched on a slow-mo voice effect, then things won’t bode too well for you. To prevent the dreaded lag, try to sit as close to your wi-fi modem as possible, or alternatively, invest in an Ethernet cable to ensure you avoid any pesky drop-outs. It’s also a great idea to test out your mic and camera before entering the virtual meeting room. You want to ensure you can be seen and heard clearly. Another top tip: check that the interview link you’ve been sent is actually functional. If not, get in contact with your interviewer ASAP.

2. Nail the basics

A virtual interview really isn’t all that different to a regular interview in terms of the questions you’ll be asked, so ensure that you are adequately prepared. Some basic tips we have are to:

// Research the company beforehand.

// Back up any answers with anecdotes of your previous achievements and projects. You want to mention specific examples.

// Dress the part. Look presentable and professional (at least from the waist up – no one can tell if you’re still wearing your pyjama bottoms)

// Have some questions ready to ask the interviewer. It’ll not only make a good impression by showing that you are prepared, but will also help you determine if the role is right for you.

3. Brush up on your virtual etiquette

It can be a little difficult to read the room when you’re not physically in said room, so it’s a great idea to brush up on your virtual interviewing etiquette. We’re sure that you have experience in video calls of some sort, be it Facetime calls with that aunty overseas or Skype meetings of days past, so we don’t want to be preaching to the converted. But with that being said, it doesn’t hurt to cover off a few key points to consider when in a virtual rendezvous with a prospective employer.

// Avoid distractions. You want to give your interviewer your full, undivided attention (as you would expect them to give you). So yes, that means putting your phone on silent. The messages can wait!

// Consider your surroundings. When attending an interview in person, it’s usually held in a quiet office, right? There aren’t people barging in left, right and centre. So try to mimic these surroundings at home. Choose a location where you can ensure that you will be heard clearly and won’t be interrupted. That may mean putting up a sign to alert housemates or family that you are on an important call. So that’s a no-no to them turning on the coffee machine or having a chat in the kitchen. Sound travels!

// Be courteous. Although you may be dying to answer the question your interviewer has just posed, it’s best to wait until they have finished speaking to avoid that awkward ‘no you go, no you go’ tussle. It’s pretty obvious, but easier said than done when you’re not physically in the room with the interviewer and can’t easily read their body language. A good rule of thumb? Wait until there has been a slight pause after their question and then the floor is yours.

// Position your camera appropriately. Just like a passport photo, you want to ensure you fit perfectly within that Zoom frame. That means sitting close enough to the camera that the interviewer can clearly see your face, but not too close that it becomes creepy (if your eyes take up most of the screen, you’re not doing it right). Make sure that you can be seen from the waist up and that the camera is at eye level so that you can make appropriate eye contact and mimic a regular interview.

4. Try your best to de-stress

It’s normal to feel a little nervous before an interview, and it can be even more nerve-racking when it’s not conducted in a conventional setting – think, through a computer screen in your dining room! So try you best to de-stress. That may mean going for a quick walk around our neighbourhood, or having a tea to calm your nerves. You want to go into the interview with a clear mind.

5. Build rapport

You are speaking to another person after all, so try to build some rapport with your interviewer. The current climate is a perfect conversation starter and helps make the whole situation feel a whole lot more human. You may also discover you have a common interest, so use this to forge a connection!

6. Monitor your body language

First impressions still matter – even through a screen. So ensure you are sending the right message. Sit upright and avoid fiddling or rocking in your chair. You want to communicate that you are not only professional, but that you are also eager to land this role. Staring longingly into the distance or checking your nails doesn’t give off the best impression.

7. Check in afterwards

Follow up after your interview with an email thanking your interviewer for their time. If you discussed something you had in common this is also a great time to bring it up. This will help you to remain top of mind for all the right reasons.

Looking for more tips to ace your next virtual interview? Read our article on how to smash a video interview.

At Talent, we have 25 years’ experience in tech and digital recruitment. Check out our Job Search for hundreds of opportunities in your field.