Interview with Kate Dunk - Prof. Development Mngr, Energy Institute

By Mark Vidler – Allen & York, Energy Manager

Allen & York were very pleased to be able to interview Kate Dunk on a number of issues.  Asking for her views on the best way for aspiring energy experts to enter the industry, what the skills shortages are, and what the energy industry has to offer in terms of graduate training schemes and opportunities for people with transferable skills.

Kate has a degree in English and her career has naturally progressed into the Professional Development arena.  Having worked with professional organisations for 6 years, previously with the Museums Association, she currently manages the Energy Institute’s accredited University courses and graduate schemes.  Within this role she and her team liaise with Universities and the Energy Industry to ensure that the IE accredit courses provide the right mix of knowledge and skills for each graduate to be employable and attractive to employers.

MV – What is the EI course accreditation process?

KD - EI accreditation is a very rigorous process the procedure involves a thorough assessment of the course contents, its teaching staff, assessment procedures and facilities by a panel of Energy Institute experts.  The EI currently accredit over 20 universities with various courses, for more information I would suggest that people visit the EI Energy Zone at Energy Zone - Energy Institute Accredited Courses

MV - Where are the gaps and what are the skill shortages?

KD - One of the potential issues for the future is that students aren’t taking up the ‘stem’ subjects as much as we would like.  The ‘stem’ subjects are; Science, Engineering and Maths and they are the core subjects which employers often look for when offering graduate training schemes (GTS). 

For instance Rolls Royce, offer a great GTS to students who have a solid grounding in Maths, Science and Communications, from this solid foundation of knowledge they, as the employer will teach the specific skills required for the position within the company. 

There maybe a perception that employers are looking for ‘oven ready’ graduates, i.e. those with all the skills and experience to hit the ground running.   Employers may need to be more realistic in their expectations, and schemes such as Rolls Royce’s are an excellent example of how graduates with a good grounding can enter the professional industry.

There is also a potential future issue of an aging workforce of expertise, and the need for the next generation to be trained and ready to take over from the retirees. 

MV – What are the best routes into the Energy Industry? 

KD – Often people aren’t aware of the range of energy careers on offer to them. Energy Management is on the increase and we need more people to be entering the industry.  The EI’s energy management courses have had a bumper year and as companies are looking to improve their energy credentials there will be an increasing requirement for professionals within the market.

The EI Energy Zone website is a great resource for people at all stages of their career; it has links to the accredited courses, key employers offering student placements, apprenticeships and graduate schemes and also advice on lifelong learning, courses and workshops. 

MV – If you had one piece of advice to a prospective energy professional what would it be?

KD – Don’t underestimate the broad range of opportunities in the energy sector and look at the skills you have.  Transferable skills are valuable across the energy industry.

The Energyzone website can be found at - www.energyzone.net