Apprenticeships

We are looking for passionate and dedicated apprentices who want to be part of a company which is helping to shape the future of energy provision in the UK.

Applications for our 2023 cohort is now closed

Be one of the first to complete a brand-new renewable energy apprenticeship.

We are committed to shaping the UK’s net zero carbon journey through the latest renewable technologies and smart infrastructure. In order to succeed in our mission, we need the right people with the right skills to help us.

You will learn via virtual teaching and a minimum of 25 days curriculum learning each year, where you will be based at our new state-of-the-art £2m Training Academy.

You'll spend the majority of your time working on-site on our exciting projects, where you'll pick up a wealth of skills through hands-on experience and support from our experienced and knowledgeable team.

By the time you finish your apprenticeship you’ll not only be qualified to work in the trade, you’ll also have a great understanding of the renewable energy industry.

For more information on applying for our 2024 cohort email: apprenticeships@vitalenergi.co.uk

Play the video below to see what it’s like to be a Vital apprentice, the highlights, opportunities, and more....

Opportunities at Vital

During our 3 year Craft Programme, you will study a Level 3 Building Services Engineering Craftsperson qualification which will be delivered at our Training Academy in Blackburn.

You will have the opportunity to experience all aspects of the business with work placements across all departments, whilst learning and working alongside a team of energy centre installation operatives, prefabrication teams, O&M engineers and HIU commissioning engineers. From Heat Networks, Energy Centres, and Plate Heat Exchangers, to Heat Interface Units and Metering & Billing Solutions, you will help us to shape the future of energy provision.

Reporting to the Department Manager/Supervisor you will:

Learn pipework fabrication and jointing techniques for industrial and commercial systems, including prefabricated and/or modularised components and distribution systems
Develop your welding skills on a wide range of materials working towards a Class 1 standard
Carry out the installation of plumbing and heating systems including accurate measuring, marking, cutting, bending and jointing metallic and non-metallic pipework
Understand and apply electro fusion jointing techniques on our heat networks
Assist testing and commissioning activities on site
Carry out planned energy centre and residential accommodation maintenance with our O&M teams
Understand installation techniques for metering & billing solutions
Understand H&S requirements and how to comply with safe working practices

During years 1 and 2 of our Technical Programme, you will study a Level 3 Building Services Design Technician qualification which will be delivered at our Training Academy in Blackburn.

You will have the opportunity to experience all aspects of the business with work placements across all departments, whilst learning and working alongside a team of experienced designers, project managers, engineers and commercial managers. From Heat Networks, Energy Centres, and Water Source Heat Pumps. to Heat Interface Units and Metering & Billing Solutions, you will help us shape the future of energy provision.

Reporting to the Project Manager/Department Leader you will:

Develop knowledge and understanding of building services design principles
Use project management systems during the construction process in order to ensure projects are delivered on time and to budget
Work alongside the commercial team to understand contractual agreements, review the financial performance of a project and support the procurement process
Understand H&S requirements and how to comply with safe working practices
Manage day to day activities on site which are relevant to your skills, training and experience
Assist testing and commissioning activities on site
Produce technical reports using engineering terminology
Develop your communication skills by delivering tool box talks, dealing with sub-contractors and producing project reports

Vital Energi Utilities Limited (VEUL) is one of the UK’s market leaders in delivering centralised community energy projects. As a result of our continuing success we are experiencing rapid and extensive growth in all business sectors; as such we have an exceptional opportunity for an Business Administration Apprentice within the Human Resources department based in Blackburn.

We are looking for someone to assist the department by providing accurate administrative support on a daily basis. This role will also provide generalist Administrative cover at the Head Office in Blackburn, including covering the reception desk at the training centre and also the main reception desk for holiday/absence cover.

The Role:

Reporting to the HR Manager you will be responsible for:
Assisting with general HR administration duties that fall within department’s remit as directed by the HR team; this includes catering for the office and the Training Centre (especially when meetings are on)
Replying to emails in a timely manner
General duties such as filing, photocopying etc.
Updating the HR database with information such as training records, new starter information etc.
Create training records for new employees.
Send out mandatory training requests/notifications for existing and new employees
Maintain personnel files and filing
Answering phone calls and referring them to the appropriate person(s)/ members of the HR and training team when needed
Helping members of the team when necessary
Working off computer systems
Taking notes in meetings
Meeting and greeting clients when they enter the premises (mainly in the Training Centre but also covering the main reception on site during lunchtimes)

The Person:

Good level of general IT literacy specifically Microsoft Office
Smart appearance
Excellent telephone manner
Great communications skills, both written and verbal
Accurate data entry skills
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Able to maintain professionalism and confidentiality in all situations
Positive and a ‘can do’ attitude
Organised
Excellent time management

Benefits of a Vital Apprenticeship

Earn while you learn: By doing an apprenticeship, you get to earn a wage whilst gaining a qualification, and you won't have a student loan to repay. We're offering a competitive starting salary of £14,000, and you will also receive the same benefits as the rest of our team, such as holiday entitlement and pension contributions.
Recognised qualifications: At the end of your apprenticeship, you'll be equipped with nationally recognised and renowned qualifications which will boost your employability.
Great support: We will provide you with unparalleled support, as we’ll work closely with the college to help you obtain the skills and experience you need to gain your qualification.
Paid holidays: You will be entitled to 25 days of annual leave, plus 8 banks holidays.
Career prospects: Apprenticeships provide fantastic insight into the world of work, and the blend of theoretical and hands-on training gives you a real chance to put your skills into practice and helps you to gain more confidence in a working environment.
Help the planet: Through Vital Energi’s exciting apprenticeship programmes, not only will you be provided with the key industry skills to shape your career, you’ll be contributing to a greener and more sustainable future for our planet too.
Work perks: As well as 33 days off a year, you'll receive a competitive salary, enrolment into our contributory company pension and healthcare schemes, and we'll supply all tools, PPE, and uniform for relevant roles. We also have some great facilities at our Head Office including an on-site gym.
Don't take our word for it, hear from our current apprentices below.

Apprentice Mechanical Craftsperson

Leah Hardaker

"Starting young in a male-dominated industry I was scared I’d feel out of place, but I’ve been treated the same as everyone else which really put me at ease. Vital produce the highest quality work which inspires me to push myself and keep up to high standards. I feel really proud to be an employee."

Read Leah's story here

Building Services Engineering Apprentice

Alex Spencer

"I've enjoyed every minute so far. The training is fantastic, the people are great, there's lots of support available, and there are opportunities to progress your career. You'll also be working on exciting projects that have a positive impact on the planet too, which feels really rewarding."

Read Alex's story here

Qualified Apprentice Site Operative

Adam Baldwin

“I really enjoyed my time as a Vital apprentice. It’s helped to build character, I’ve made some good friends along the way, and most importantly, it’s given me an opportunity to better my life."

Read Adam's story here

FAQs

Here are answers to our most frequently asked questions

Life as a Vital Apprentice

We hear from apprentices Ciaran Moody and Omar Tannerah as they discuss their development, aspirations and inspiration with Mike Cooke, who also started his career as an apprentice.

Where Next?

Life as a Vital Apprentice

Working at Vital

Our Story