aes renewables’ apprenticeships supporting the surge in skills demand
With Scotland facing a green skills gap and national targets demanding rapid growth in renewable energy, apprenticeships are lighting the way for a north-east solar specialist.
Where Forres firm aes renewables (previously known as AES Solar) once depended on subcontractors, apprenticeships have created in-house skills, retained local talent and boosted capacity for renewable projects to support the nation’s net zero goals.
aes renewables’ Marketing Manager Hannah Jakobsen said: “We like to say our apprentices aren’t just powering and heating people’s homes, they’re actively contributing to Scotland’s green energy future.
“With Scottish Government targets to deliver between four and six gigawatts of solar capacity by 2030 and a national shortage in green skills, our apprenticeships are tackling that challenge head-on.
“Apprenticeships have allowed aes renewables to mould our own skilled teams of electricians, plumbers, roofers, installers and heat pump technicians who have increased installation capacity across the country.”
And with every apprentice staying with the firm after qualifying, it has strengthened the workforce and retained young people in a rural area.
Hannah explained: “Being based in Moray, we find that young people feel they need to leave the area for education or work.
“Apprenticeships tackle youth migration and offer meaningful opportunities on their doorstep, which has a lasting impact on their communities and the local economy.”
Established in 1979, aes renewables are the UK’s longest-established solar installer and became an apprenticeship employer in 2015 to provide structured training and development in renewables.
The 70-strong firm has supported 19 apprenticeships across business management, warehousing, digital marketing, IT and telecommunications, plumbing and engineering, all of whom are still with the company.
Former apprentices now lead installation teams, manage projects and mentor new trainees. A plumbing Modern Apprentice is fully qualified and supporting heat pump installations while a Graduate Apprentice, who earned a first-class honours degree in engineering, is leading a new servicing department.
A school leaver completed a Warehousing, Storage and Distribution apprenticeship to progress into the role of lead solar installer. He now has a management qualification and mentors current recruits.
Another employee recently celebrated ten years at aes renewables after joining as an administrative assistant from school. She completed two Modern Apprenticeships, progressed through four roles and is a project coordinator and leading two installation teams, as well as being a health and wellbeing champion.
Apprenticeships are working for Scotland by creating careers and enabling people to reach their potential, supporting employers to develop and grow their workforce and getting real returns for the economy.
There are currently around 12,000 apprentice employers in Scotland, investing in over 40,000 Foundation, Modern and Graduate Apprentices.
Hannah said: “Apprenticeships are vital, regardless of the industry, offering opportunities for people, whether they’re school leavers or adult career changers, to thrive and give back to their own communities.”
aes renewables currently employs five Modern Apprentices in plumbing and electrical and one Graduate Apprentice in Business Management and partners with colleges, universities and training providers to deliver accredited qualifications and on-the-job learning.
Apprentices are paired with mentors, giving them the confidence to take on responsibility as their skills grow, and everyone has a personal development plan and budget to support professional memberships, training and coursework materials.
Community engagement at careers fairs, colleges and schools promotes STEM careers and challenges gender stereotypes.
Apprentices also help embed sustainable working practices, bringing digital skills that reduce paper use, promote efficiency in logistics and help implement energy-saving processes.
Hannah added: “We have an open-door policy where new ideas are always encouraged. The energy and enthusiasm of apprentices are felt throughout the entire company.”
Apprenticeships will continue across aes renewables with plans to expand into finance and marketing.
Hannah said: “Our apprenticeship programme is inclusive and future-focused, ensuring equal opportunities while developing the skills and practices needed for Scotland to achieve its net zero ambitions.”
On being named a finalist in the SME Apprentice Employer of the Year at the Scottish Apprenticeship Awards 2026, Hannah said: “It’s already an exciting year as we recently rebranded to aes renewables to reflect the direction of the business and this is the icing on the cake. It’s recognition for the whole team.”
aes renewables is a finalist in the SME Apprentice Employer of the Year category, sponsored by Babcock International Group, at this year’s Scottish Apprenticeship Awards in association with SP Energy Networks.
The awards take place on 26 February as the launch event for Scottish Apprenticeship Week (2 to 6 March).
Find out more about the award finalists and the event by visiting apprenticeships.scot/awards
