Powering progress: 250+ people start jobs through PowerUp 

27 July

Over 250 people have moved into work after taking part in PowerUp, an energy transition employment course delivered in partnership with Shell UK.

Launched in March 2025, PowerUp helps people build the skills, confidence and connections they need to move into energy transition roles. It’s run locally in Birmingham, and nationally through online sessions, so people across the UK can find job opportunities.

For participants, PowerUp offers personalised guidance, training and a clear route into an exciting and fast-changing sector. For employers, the course helps to fill vacancies with skilled and job-ready candidates from a diverse talent pool, while saving on hiring costs. Network events also make the recruitment process more relaxed, so organisations can find the right fit for their workforce, and people can find the right role for themselves.

“These past five days have been an incredible journey, and I have learned so much about energy transition. I want to express my gratitude to Alex, my teacher, and to the amazing team I have the pleasure of working with. I truly enjoyed the course and appreciate everything everyone has done to make this experience so valuable.”
PowerUp participant
"I had a great time at the cleaning course...I'm looking forward to the rest of the week. If it's anything like today, I am in for a great time and I will learn a lot, and maybe at the end of the course, I will get a job."
PowerUp participant

About PowerUp

Through the course, people can:

  • Build skills that are in demand and relevant to employers.
  • Find ways into energy jobs.
  • Grow confidence by learning new skills, and exploring the sector.
  • Connect with employers working across the UK’s energy transition.

PowerUp provides expert guidance on CV writing, cover letters and interview techniques. It also helps people understand the range of roles available – from green construction and engineering to energy sales, recycling and customer service.

The course is run by Shaw Trust tutors and journey advisers, who offer personalised support and practical advice. The focus is on helping people move towards employment, driven by strong links with local employers.

Case Study

When Givannie, a skilled network engineer, joined PowerUp, he’d been searching for work for over a year. What he didn’t expect was a fresh start in an entirely new sector.

Through PowerUp, Givannie learned how to reframe his experience for the energy transition. One-to-one support helped him rebuild his confidence, strengthen his CV and sharpen his interview skills, giving him clearer direction.

That hard work paid off when Severn Trent invited PowerUp participants to interview for water specialist roles. Givannie stood out for his professionalism and strong interview performance – a direct result of the coaching and encouragement he’d received. Offered a role in January 2026, he’s been busy settling into his new role in recent months.
Givannie’s story shows how the right support, at the right time, can turn a job search into a meaningful new start.

What’s next

Shell UK is continuing to invest in people and communities as the energy transition reshapes the jobs market. With new participants joining PowerUp every week and employerpartnerships continuing to grow, the programme will build on its early success to support even more people into energy careers.

Find out more about our work with Shell UK for participants and employers, and see how PowerUp is helping people take their next step into good work.