Short answer, not always.
Need to Find out if Prior Experience in the Energy Sector is Essential to Apply for Technical Roles?
Many technical roles in the energy sector welcome candidates from a wide range of engineering, IT, and technical backgrounds, even if you haven’t worked in the energy sector before.
1. What Energy Employers Are Really Looking for
Most organisations hiring for technical positions in energy focus on:
Relevant technical skills (engineering, IT, data analysis, electrical/mechanical competencies)
Problem-solving ability
Safety awareness
Willingness to learn energy-specific standards and regulations
Transferable experience from similar environments such as manufacturing, utilities, infrastructure, telecommunications, or industrial operations
While prior energy industry experience can be an advantage, it is not a strict requirement for many entry-level or cross-industry technical roles.
2. When Prior Energy Experience Helps
You may benefit from previous industry exposure if the role involves:
Working directly with grid systems, renewable technologies, or energy infrastructure
Leading high-risk operations where specialised certifications are required
Managing or designing energy-specific technology, such as turbines, substations, or metering systems
However, even in these cases, employers often provide on-the-job training or support candidates in gaining necessary certifications that would help secure a role within energy.
3. Why the Energy Industry Welcomes Cross-Industry Talent
The sector is rapidly expanding especially in renewables, smart grid technology, and energy digitalisation—creating a strong demand for:
Mechanical and electrical engineers
IT and cybersecurity professionals
Data analysts and software specialists
Project managers
Technical field staff
This growth has led employers to prioritise skills, adaptability, and technical capability over direct energy industry experience.
4. How to Strengthen Your Application Without Energy Experience
If you're transitioning into the energy industry, you can boost your application by:
Highlighting transferable skills relevant to the energy sector.
Obtaining relevant certifications (e.g., safety training, renewable tech courses)
Showcasing project work or hands-on technical experience
Demonstrating an understanding of energy sector trends
Emphasising your willingness to learn
Bottom Line
You do not need specific prior experience in the energy industry for many technical roles. If you have a solid technical background, strong problem-solving skills, and a willingness to learn, you’re already a strong candidate for a wide range of positions in the growing energy sector.
Why Energy Professionals Choose Navartis
We are a marketing leading specialist energy recruitment agency. We pride ourselves on the quality of our recruitment service and have helped thousands of energy professionals over the years secure energy roles across the globe. We also offer;
Fast deployment onto leading energy projects
Strong industry relationships and exclusive opportunities
Clear communication and dependable support
A compliance-first approach to keep you site-ready
Long-term partnerships that grow with your energy career
Whether you’re a contractor looking for your next energy project or you’re looking for a new permanent energy role, Navartis is here to help you secure the right opportunity with the right employer within the energy sector.
Ready to Move Forward in Your Rail Career?
If you're looking for a new opportunity within the energy industry, take the next step with a team of energy recruitment experts who understands the energy industry inside out. We are trusted and well positioned to help you secure your next move within the energy sector.
Find out more about what we recruit within the energy industry
At Navartis, we recruit across the full spectrum of the energy sector, supporting energy projects from design and engineering through to construction, delivery and maintenance.
Our specialist teams place skilled professionals in energy roles spanning renewable energy, nuclear, and transmission & distribution. Whether you're a contractor looking for your next energy assignment or a permanent professional seeking long-term progression within the energy sector, we connect you with opportunities across major energy operators, consultancies and tier-one contractors.
Explore the breadth of energy disciplines we cover and discover where your next career move could take you.