Building the Workforce of the Future - why apprenticeships matter more than ever

09 February 2026

5 Minutes

Our People

As National Apprenticeship Week returns, we sat down with Karen Hutcheson, Director of Recruitment, Internal Mobility & Emerging Talent, to discuss why apprenticeships matter more than ever, how they’re evolving, and the contribution they make to a future-ready workforce.

What role do apprenticeships play in Centrica’s overall talent strategy?

Apprenticeships are absolutely central to how we build a sustainable, future‑ready workforce. They allow us to grow talent from the ground up, bringing in people who are curious, motivated and eager to learn.

For a business like ours — where technical expertise, customer focus and innovation are all critical — apprenticeships give us a pipeline of individuals who develop those skills from day one. It’s not a side programme; it’s a strategic investment in our long‑term capability.

How have you seen perceptions of apprenticeships change in recent years?

The shift has been remarkable. Apprenticeships used to be seen as a second choice, or something only suited to certain industries. That’s simply not the case anymore.

Today, they’re recognised as high‑quality, respected routes into careers — not just jobs — and they appeal to people of all ages and backgrounds. Parents, teachers and career advisers are increasingly aware of the opportunities they create. And employers, including us, are designing programmes that rival traditional academic pathways in terms of depth, progression and long‑term prospects.

Why is National Apprenticeship Week important for Centrica and the wider industry?

It shines a spotlight on the incredible contribution apprentices make.

For us, it’s a chance to celebrate our apprentices’ achievements, share their stories, and highlight the breadth of opportunities available. It also encourages more people to consider apprenticeships as a viable and exciting route into energy and engineering.

The industry needs fresh talent and diverse perspectives, and this week helps us reach people who might not have previously considered it as an option for them.

Can you share any success stories of former apprentices?

We have countless examples — engineers who now lead regional teams, digital apprentices who’ve progressed into specialist cyber roles, and customer service apprentices who’ve moved into coaching and leadership positions.

One of the things I’m most proud of is how many of our former apprentices become mentors themselves. They know the journey, they’ve lived it, and they’re passionate about helping the next generation succeed.

"Apprenticeships are absolutely central to how we build a sustainable, future ready workforce. They allow us to grow talent from the ground up, bringing in people who are curious, motivated and eager to learn."

Karen Hutchen, Director of Recruitment, Internal Mobility & Emerging Talent,

How do apprenticeships support diversity and inclusion at Centrica?

Apprenticeships give us a powerful platform to broaden who sees themselves as having a place in the energy sector. Historically, our industry hasn’t always reflected the diversity of the communities we serve — especially when it comes to women in technical and engineering roles. That’s something we’re determined to change.

By creating accessible, well‑supported apprenticeship pathways, we’re opening doors for women who may never have considered a career in energy, or who didn’t see people like themselves represented.

Our ambition is to significantly increase the number of women joining us through apprenticeships over the coming years. It’s not just about fairness — it’s about shaping a stronger, more innovative energy industry. When we bring in diverse perspectives, we make better decisions, design better solutions and accelerate the transition to a cleaner, more resilient energy future. Apprenticeships are one of the most effective ways to make that shift happen.

What skills are most in demand right now, and how do apprenticeships help meet those needs?

Technical skills remain essential — particularly in engineering, digital, and energy transition roles. But we’re also seeing growing demand for problem‑solving, collaboration, resilience and customer empathy.

Apprenticeships are brilliant at developing this blend of technical and human skills. Because apprentices learn in real environments, they build confidence and capability in ways that classroom‑only learning can’t replicate.

How do you see apprenticeships evolving over the next decade?

I think we’ll see even more flexibility, more digital learning, and more pathways into emerging fields like green technology, data and AI. Apprenticeships will continue to expand beyond traditional roles and become a mainstream option for people at every stage of their career — not just those starting out.

The pace of change in our industry means continuous learning is essential, and apprenticeships will play a huge role in helping people reskill and upskill throughout their working lives.

Are there any emerging trends or innovations in apprenticeship programmes that excite you?

One of the most exciting shifts we’re seeing is the move towards more immersive, technology‑enabled training — and our new Lutterworth training academy, opening in May, is a brilliant example of that in action. It represents a step change in how we develop skills for the future.

Apprentices will train in environments that replicate real‑world conditions, using the latest low‑carbon technologies and digital tools. That blend of hands‑on learning, simulation, and exposure to cutting‑edge equipment is exactly where apprenticeship programmes are heading. It means apprentices can build confidence and capability faster, and it ensures the skills they’re developing are directly aligned to the needs of a rapidly changing energy system.

What excites me most is how this approach opens up new possibilities — not just for technical excellence, but for innovation. Apprenticeships are no longer just about learning a trade; they’re about preparing people to thrive in a sector that’s transforming at pace.

The new academy gives us the platform to do that at scale. It’s a space where apprentices can experiment, collaborate and learn in ways that simply weren’t possible before. And as the industry continues to evolve —these kinds of forward‑looking training environments will become increasingly important.

For me, that’s the future of apprenticeships: programmes that are dynamic, technology‑rich and deeply connected to the skills the UK needs to deliver a net zero future.

What advice would you give to someone considering an apprenticeship?

Be curious, be open, and don’t underestimate yourself. Apprenticeships are for people who want to learn, grow and make a real impact. If you’re willing to put in the effort, the opportunities are enormous!