A Complete Guide to Energy, Renewables & Infrastructure Recruitment

As the global economy becomes increasingly influenced by and geared towards sustainability and environmental targets and demands, the energy, renewables, and infrastructure sectors, and the organisations and people within them are experiencing growing demands and exponential growth too.   

With these industries critical to national and global climate goals and driving innovations and developments that are key to meeting them, they need talent with the skills, expertise and experience to carry projects forward. As a result, recruitment has a vital role to play in shaping a sustainable future for all.   

At Carbon60, we know how important Energy, Renewables, and Infrastructure recruitment is, and have a deep understanding of its challenges and opportunities. So, leveraging our extensive knowledge, we have created this complete guide to help organisations get it right. 

Growth & Trends in Energy, Renewables & Infrastructure 

Understanding industry growth and trends is fundamental for organisations aiming to develop recruitment strategies that truly make a difference.  

For a wider view of STEM recruitment trends, explore our insights. 

By keeping pace with the latest innovations, shifts in market demands, and emerging skill requirements, organisations can position themselves to attract and retain the right talent.  

This foresight not only enables successful hiring but also ensures that teams are equipped to drive progress and meet future challenges within the energy, renewables, and infrastructure sectors. 

Energy sector growth & trends 

The traditional energy sector is evolving. While oil and gas remain vital, there's a clear shift towards cleaner, more efficient technologies. Digitalisation, automation, and decarbonisation are reshaping operations, creating demand for hybrid skill sets that blend engineering with data science and digital fluency. 

Key trends: 

• Increased investment in smart grids and digital twins 

• Greater focus on energy efficiency and emissions reduction 

• Integration of AI and IoT in energy management 

Suggested Read: Advantages & Disadvantages of AI in Construction and Engineering 

Renewables sector growth & trends 

Renewable energy is integral to the drive towards the global net-zero targets. Wind, solar, hydrogen, and battery storage projects are scaling rapidly, driven by government incentives and private investment. 

Key trends: 

• Offshore wind expansion, especially in the UK and Europe 

• Growth in green hydrogen and energy storage solutions 

• Decentralised energy systems and microgrids 

Suggested Read: The state of renewable energy markets 

Infrastructure sector growth & trends 

Infrastructure is the backbone of economic and technological growth. From transport and utilities to digital infrastructure, the sector is amidst a period of large-scale growth thanks to public investment and urbanisation projects. 

Key trends: 

• Smart cities and sustainable urban development 

• Major transport infrastructure projects (e.g., HS2, Crossrail) 

• Upgrades to water, power, and broadband networks 

There’s also a growing focus on inclusion and diversity across construction projects, learn more in The Drive for Diversity in Construction. 

Why Energy, Renewables & Infrastructure Recruitment is critical 

The pace of change in these sectors means that talent acquisition for the organisation within them must be a strategic priority.  

Projects are becoming more complex, timelines are tighter, and with demand for skills growing in response to the need for increasing need for rapid innovation, competition for skilled workers across each industry is fierce. 

Without the right people at the heart of a project, even the most well-funded, well-thought-out initiatives and innovations can stall or even grind to a halt.  

That’s why at Carbon60, understanding the critical need for Renewable energy recruitment & Infrastructure talent, we help organisations: 

• Identify and attract niche talent in competitive markets 

• Scale teams quickly for major projects through our project recruitment solutions 

• Ensure compliance with safety, environmental, and regulatory standards 

• Build future-ready workforces through strategic workforce planning 

Most In-Demand Energy, Renewables & Infrastructure Recruitment Roles & Skills 

Effective Energy, Renewables & Infrastructure recruitment strategies are built upon an understanding of the skills and roles required, and of those which are most highly sought-after in the market. 

By mapping current and emerging talent needs, organisations can tailor their recruitment strategies to ensure they not only attract the right candidates but also build versatile teams capable of supporting innovation and growth that will drive their own success, and that of their wider industry.  

Taking a proactive approach in identifying these critical skill sets enables swift, focused responses market changes and greater potential of maintaining a competitive edge against organisations with similar talent needs.  

If you’re exploring careers in renewable energy or looking to hire within the energy and infrastructure sectors, here are some of the most in-demand roles right now: 

Energy 

• Electrical Engineers – for grid modernisation and power systems 

• Project Managers – to oversee large-scale energy projects 

• Health & Safety Officers – ensuring compliance in hazardous environments 

• Data Analysts – supporting predictive maintenance and energy efficiency 

Renewables 

• Wind Turbine Technicians – especially offshore 

• Solar PV Installers – for residential and commercial projects 

• Environmental Consultants – for impact assessments and planning 

• Grid Integration Engineers – to connect renewables to national grids 

Infrastructure 

• Civil Engineers – for roads, bridges, and rail 

• Quantity Surveyors – managing costs and contracts 

• BIM Specialists – for digital construction modelling 

• Utilities Coordinators – managing complex service networks 

Recruitment Challenges in Energy, Renewables, and Infrastructure 

While the energy, renewables, and infrastructure sectors are experiencing significant growth and transformation, driven by the global push for sustainability, technological innovation, and ambitious infrastructure investment, recruitment in these fields remains a complex challenge.  

Beneath the excitement remains underlying worries around persistent barriers that can slow progress and hinder the ability to attract, secure, and retain top talent.  

Understanding these recruitment challenges in depth is essential for businesses aiming not only to meet their current workforce needs, but also to future-proof their workforces in an increasingly competitive and ever-changing landscape.  

These challenges include: 

Skills shortages - Many roles require years of specialised training, and the pipeline of new talent isn’t keeping pace. 

An ageing workforce - A significant portion of the workforce is nearing retirement, especially in traditional energy and infrastructure. 

Geographic constraints - Projects in remote or offshore locations make talent mobility and attraction more difficult. 

Diversity & Inclusion gaps - These sectors have historically lacked diversity, which limits innovation and talent pools. 

Regulatory complexity - Navigating compliance across different regions and sectors adds complexity to hiring.  

The Importance of Effective Recruitment Strategies 

To overcome these challenges, organisations must adopt proactive, strategic recruitment approaches: 

• Workforce Planning: Anticipate future needs and build talent pipelines early. 

• Employer Branding: Position your organisation as a purpose-driven, inclusive employer. 

• Upskilling & Reskilling: Invest in training to bridge skill gaps internally. 

• Flexible Hiring Models: Use contract, permanent, and project-based hiring to stay agile. 

• Partnerships with Specialists: Collaborate with recruitment experts like Carbon60 who understand the nuances of your sector. 

Why Carbon60? 

At Carbon60, we bring decades of experience in delivering tailored talent solutions across energy, renewables, and infrastructure. Our deep sector knowledge, extensive candidate networks, and consultative approach mean we don’t just fill roles, we help build the future of these industries. 

Whether you're scaling up for a major project or navigating the transition to net zero, we’re here to help you find the right people, at the right time, with the right skills.