PRESS RELEASE: Dalcour Maclaren Calls for More Apprenticeships to Future-Proof the Energy and Infrastructure Sectors

Firm takes part in ITN Feature to Increase Awareness of Apprenticeships

With National Apprenticeship Week approaching on Monday 10th February, Dalcour Maclaren is urging more businesses to invest in apprenticeships to tackle the growing skills shortage in the UK’s utilities, energy, and infrastructure sectors—critical industries in the transition to Net Zero. To increase awareness, the firm has worked with ITN on a video about Dalcour Maclaren’s apprenticeship scheme, which will be premiered during National Apprenticeship Week.

According to National Grid, the UK energy sector alone will need to fill around 400,000 roles by 2050* to achieve Net Zero—260,000 of these new positions. Dalcour Maclaren, a specialist consultancy enabling land consent and environmental and planning permissions for major infrastructure projects, believes apprenticeships are key to bridging this gap.

Managing Director, Andrew Barker says: “The demand for skilled professionals in our industry is growing rapidly, yet the talent pipeline isn’t keeping pace. Apprenticeships offer a real solution—bringing in fresh talent and equipping them with the skills to drive the industry forward. More businesses need to recognise this and invest in structured apprenticeship programmes to safeguard the future of our sector.”

From left to right: Izzy Small, Joanna Middleton, Andrew Barker and Sangeeta Kandola

For many young people, applying for an apprenticeship is their first experience of formal recruitment. Joanna Middleton, Head of Talent Acquisition at Dalcour Maclaren, says it’s important to make the process engaging and personal to attract the right candidates. “Rather than a fully virtual process, we hold in-person assessment days where candidates can experience our culture first-hand. We want them to feel what it’s like to be part of our team from the very beginning.”

One of the biggest challenges in building a sustainable workforce is that many young people are unaware of the diverse career opportunities in the green energy transition. Dalcour Maclaren is working to change this by promoting apprenticeships through industry partnerships, associations, and outreach efforts.

Dalcour Maclaren apprentice Izzy Small initially pursued a university degree but found the apprenticeship route a better fit. “I wanted more hands-on experience, and with Dalcour Maclaren, I could see a clear career pathway. It’s great to know I’m being supported every step of the way.”

With a combination of practical experience and academic study, apprentices like Izzy are developing essential skills while contributing to the industry’s future. As a proud member of The 5% Club, Dalcour Maclaren is committed to ensuring at least 5% of its workforce is made up of apprentices, graduates, or other ‘future talent’ roles. This commitment aligns with the company’s broader ambition to be an employer of choice within the energy and infrastructure sectors.

As the UK navigates its journey to Net Zero, Dalcour Maclaren is calling on more businesses to follow suit and invest in apprenticeships—ensuring a skilled workforce is in place to meet the challenges ahead.