Jobs Boost as British Gas Announces 1,000 New Apprentice Roles

LONDON, October 9, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --

Recruitment drive to help homes and businesses save money

British Gas, Britain's biggest energy supplier, has today announced a nationwide recruitment drive of 1,000 new roles.  The new recruits will initially join British Gas's apprenticeship training programme.

Smart investment in energy efficiency

The 1,000 jobs are part of the significant investment British Gas is making in 'Smart' technologies to help homes and businesses reduce their energy bills and save money.

British Gas will take on the 1,000 new recruits over the next two years, with the first 750 joining the company in the next twelve months.  All 1,000 new recruits will undertake the accredited British Gas apprenticeship training - rated 'Outstanding' by Ofsted, the official education inspectorate.

Thriving energy efficiency culture will save homes and businesses money

The new British Gas Smart Energy Expert roles, based across Britain, are in addition to the 1,200 field based energy experts already helping homes and businesses unlock the money saving potential of greater energy efficiency.

Smart Energy Experts help homes and businesses adopt and benefit from personalised advice and new 'Smart' technology, such as smart meters.

Smart Investment in Britain's Energy Future

Earlier this month a study released by Oxford Economics and British Gas revealed that smart meters will bring £14bn of benefits to the British economy by 2030.  As part of this, households will use less energy by having greater control and understanding of their energy use, helping them save around £65 per year.  

New smart technology also paves the way for further innovations, like the recent launch of British Gas Remote Heating Control, to help make the 'Smart Energy Home' a reality for millions of homes in the UK.

British Gas Managing Director, Phil Bentley, said:

"Today, more than ever, Britain needs investment from strong, innovative companies like British Gas in jobs, technology and new skills.   British Gas' apprenticeship programme for Smart Energy Experts shows our commitment to growing the 'green economy'.

"Our customers will see the benefits too; every one of our Smart Energy Experts is focussed on helping our customers improve their energy efficiency and save money."

Edward Davey MP, Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, said

"I'm delighted that British Gas is taking on more apprentices to help their customers lower their bills by using energy more efficiently.

"The roll out of smart meters to homes and businesses is just one of the ways in which the Government is modernising the way we generate and use energy.

"It is great to see energy efficiency policy and innovation creating new job opportunities in the UK."