As Green Careers Week (3–8 November) approaches and the UK Government unveils its first Clean Energy Jobs Plan, the spotlight is firmly on the future of sustainability-focused careers. With an estimated 800,000 clean energy jobs needed by 2030, the question is no longer if young people will rise to the challenge – but how they’ll get there.
E.ON’s New Energy Academy is helping answer that question. Offering free, curriculum-linked resources for teachers, the New Energy Academy is designed to inspire students to explore green careers and develop the skills needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving world.
Recent research from E.ON reveals that nearly half of UK school leavers are already pursuing green careers, opting for hands-on learning and purpose-driven roles over traditional university routes. The New Energy Academy is helping schools harness this momentum, bringing ambition and sustainability into the classroom.
What the New Energy Academy Offers
Co-created with practising teachers, the New Energy Academy provides engaging, ready-to-use materials that support:
- PSHE lessons, assemblies, form time and enrichment
- Career exploration in sustainability, AI, data science, and marketing
- Skill-building in creativity, teamwork and resilience
Resources include films, PowerPoints, worksheets, and real-world challenges like designing sustainable cities. Students also gain career insights from E.ON professionals, helping them connect classroom learning with real-world opportunities.
Importantly, the resources align with Gatsby Benchmarks 2, 4 and 5, Ofsted’s Personal Development objectives, and schools’ Climate Action Plans – making them both impactful and easy to integrate.
Real Impact in the Classroom
The results speak for themselves. According to the Hark Insight Report 2025:
- 58% of students said they could see themselves working in the energy sector after using the resources
- Many gained a clearer understanding of sustainability careers and the skills required
Teachers have praised the New Energy Academy for its ability to spark meaningful conversations and build student confidence:
“The New Energy Academy has supported our careers strategy in the PHSE curriculum- but more than that, it’s built confidence and aspiration among our students.”
“They’ve been absolutely buzzing with ideas. It sparked conversations about climate change, careers, and even how they can make a difference at home.”
With 47% of school leavers considering skipping university to pursue green jobs, initiatives like the New Energy Academy are not just timely – they’re essential.
Explore the New Energy Academy
Teachers and schools can access the resources and learn more at:
👉 www.eonenergy.com/new-energy-academy
About E.ON UK
E.ON UK’s goal is to ensure the energy transition works for everyone. Through E.ON Next, E.ON Energy Infrastructure Solutions and npower Business Solutions, our mission is to help make energy more affordable and sustainable across homes, businesses, cities and communities. eonenergy.com
About the New Energy Academy
The New Energy Academy is a free education programme from E.ON designed to inspire 11–14-year-olds to explore the role of sustainability in future careers. Aligned with the latest updates to the Gatsby Benchmarks and the Department for Education’s Sustainability and Climate Change Strategy, the resources include assemblies, PSHE lessons and interactive activities that build essential green skills such as teamwork, creativity, problem-solving and communication. The programme has already seen more than 35,000 website sessions nationwide in its first year.
