Centrica is to hire 1,000 apprentices over the next two years after its chief executive admitted the company had “underrecruited” in recent years.
The British Gas owner, which currently employs around 20,000 people in the UK, says its new apprentices will become smart energy experts who will install smart meters and provide energy efficiency advice to customers.
During a Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) select committee hearing yesterday (2 February), chief executive Chris O’Shea was facing questions from MPs over the company’s ongoing dispute with the GMB Union over changes to employees’ contracts, as well as its decision to invoke ‘fire and rehire’ notices.
The chief executive acknowledged the company had “underrecruited” apprentices in recent years, blaming non-competitive contract terms and conditions.
O’Shea said: “We have underrecruited over the past several years in terms of apprentices because our terms and conditions are not competitive. I think in the past 18 months we have recruited 48 apprentices.
“Today we are recruiting and we will create 1,000 new apprentice roles by the end of next year and we already have 5,000 applications. I’m excited about that.”
Under the scheme, apprentices will receive technical skills training at one of the company’s academies in Dartford, Hamilton and Leicester.
They will also have the option to upskill in order to be able to install electric vehicle (EV) charging points and heat pumps.
Centrica said it is aiming for 500 of the new roles to be taken up by women as part of its ambitions to improve gender diversity and to better reflect its customer base. Currently, women account for just 8 per cent of its field workforce.
To help boost interest from female applicants, Centrica has launched a targeted recruitment campaign that includes virtual careers events and engaging with women seeking a career change due to Covid.
Additionally, it has signed up to the Tech She Can Charter, a commitment by organisations to increase women working in technology roles.
The company said it has already noted a significant increase in the number of applications from women.
Jade Rimmer, colleague enablement manager and Centrica Women’s Network field chapter leader, said: “I want to see more women working in technical and engineering roles at Centrica and fully support the company’s ambition for 50 per cent of apprenticeship roles to be filled by women.
“Even though these jobs have traditionally been male-dominated, this should not deter women. We need you and our customers need you, so please do apply.”