Energy & Environment Awards and Calisen are working together to help more women enter dual fuel smart metering roles through a targeted apprenticeship programme to qualify as a Dual Fuel Smart Meter Installer.
Why it matters
Demand for skilled workers is rising as the sector transitions to net zero, with the Energy & Utility Skills’ Skills Strategy 2025-2030 identifying a need for 156,900 new roles in the energy sector by 2030. As women remain underrepresented in technical roles, initiatives like this are critical to building a more inclusive and future-ready workforce. Our recent Inclusion Measurement Framework shows that there’s slow, but improving, gender representation. Statistics indicate that they are still much lower than industry averages, with female representation remaining under 30%, with even less expected in field-based and technical roles.
A faster route into the sector
The apprenticeship, delivered in partnership with Leep Group, offers an accelerated training model that equips learners with the skills and confidence needed to qualify as a Dual Fuel Smart Meter Installer. It combines practical training with an end-point assessment, taking place within one month of Gateway, demonstrating robust assessment planning. This creates a clear and supportive route into employment and gives both learners and employers confidence in the process. By widening access and removing barriers, the apprenticeship is helping bring new talent into the sector at pace.
Supporting women to shape the future of energy
The apprenticeship is already creating real opportunities for women to enter a traditionally male-dominated sector and build long-term careers.
Gabrielle Turton-McBride, Calisen’s Group Talent Director, said:
“This is a fantastic opportunity for women who want to shape the future of energy technology at a time when it really matters. As homes adopt EVs, heat pumps, and smarter digital systems, smart meters are becoming the backbone of a resilient, fair, and flexible energy system. Through this programme, our apprentices will learn key skills, develop their experience, and be part of the team helping communities across the North West get the most from their energy, all while supporting the UK’s journey to clean energy transition.”
David Morgan, Head of Business Development, Sales & Marketing, at Energy & Environment Awards, said:
“This programme highlights the importance of creating opportunities across the sector. We need to attract a more diverse talent base, and initiatives like this are key to building a more inclusive workforce.”
Driving change through collaboration
This partnership highlights the impact of collaboration across the sector. By bringing industry expertise and focused training, it is helping to build a workforce that reflects the communities it serves while supporting the transition to net zero.
Apprenticeships like this are shaping the future of the energy sector. If you want to find out more about our end-point assessments, visit our website or contact the Energy & Environment Awards team.
