SSE has announced the recruitment of the "next generation of energy workers" to help tackle climate change.

As the government sets ambitious targets to achieve net zero by 2050, SSE's 100 new apprentices will be at the frontline of efforts to decarbonise the UK; from building wind farms to maintaining flexible electricity grids to transporting more clean power.

SSE was one of the first companies to call for a net zero target, putting sustainable development at the heart of its strategy, and its new apprentices will be part of the green workforce supporting the transition to a low carbon world.

Director of HR John Stewart said: "Young people have been at the very centre of the climate change movement and our new apprentices will play a significant role in the quest for the low carbon world of tomorrow.

"They'll be working across our businesses to maintain, manage and operate the vital green energy assets, infrastructure and support industry to help the UK meet its climate change commitments.

"Our business is investing £6bn over five years to help decarbonise the UK and Ireland and our apprentices have a bright future at the frontline of delivering net zero for future generations."

In the last five years SSE has recruited more than 650 apprentices with around £80,000 invested in the training and development of each.

Many of these jobs are in rural areas, providing high quality, well paid training opportunities which support local economies and communities across the UK. SSE's apprenticeship programme sees recruits gain a range of practical and classroom-based skills and experience in a fast-changing industry.

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Positions include apprentice jointers, linespersons and electrical fitters working on the electricity network in the north of Scotland and central southern England, the pylons and wires delivering green energy to millions.

Technicians in SSE Renewables will be building and maintaining cutting edge assets like the Beatrice Offshore Windfarm, the fourth largest in the world, or Griffin Onshore Windfarm in Perthshire.

Most apprenticeships take four years to complete and the offer entrants the opportunity to gain a nationally recognised qualification.

One apprentice beginning her career with SSE is Jasmine Allen from Beccles, Suffolk.

The 19-year-old is starting life as a wind turbine technician. She told how she has always been attracted to engineering careers and practical work after being inspired by her grandad, who was an engineer in the car industry.

After leaving school, aged 16, she enrolled at her local college on an Energy Skills programme before applying to SSE's Apprenticeship Programme.

She said: "Growing up I heard all the stories about grandad's job. Seeing how people in our family talked about his work and the things he achieved I was really attracted to the practical side of work, building and making things with my hands. I've always known it's where I wanted to go.

"I was really pleased to have been accepted to SSE's Apprenticeship Programme, it's another step in a career I am really excited about.

"I've been really impressed with everyone I've spoken to in the business and the high standards they set. It really is great to think that I'll be working on the future of energy in renewables, in a challenging and hands-on environment."

UK Government Education Minister, Kemi Badenoch, said: "This is a fantastic opportunity to be at the forefront of tackling climate change in this country, and I wish all the new apprentices good luck for the future.  As a former apprentice myself, I know first-hand how apprenticeships can change lives and improve businesses, so I'm really pleased to see that SSE are investing in apprenticeships and offering more young people the chance to gain the skills they need to forge successful careers."

The Scottish Government Fair Work Minister, Jamie Hepburn, added: "Following Scottish Government's announcement setting an ambitious climate change target of reaching net-zero emissions by 2045, I welcome SSE's commitment to recruit more Apprentice energy workers in Scotland to help tackle climate change. These Apprenticeships will provide employees with the right skills and training to meet current and future business needs.

"As SSE recruits the next generation of energy workers, developing Apprentices in Scotland remains key to SSE's recruitment strategy."

(MH/JG)