At Certas Energy, apprenticeships are being used not as a short-term recruitment tool, but as a long-term investment in people, capability and resilience at a time of significant change across the energy landscape.
Over the past year, Certas’ apprenticeship programme has doubled in size, now supporting 39 apprentices across 17 different disciplines – from customer service and digital roles through to renewables and electrical installation.
During 2025, 13 colleagues successfully completed their apprenticeships, underlining the programme’s role in both development and progression.
Crucially, rather than being solely new entrants, many participants are existing employees using apprenticeships as a structured pathway to develop confidence, adaptability and progression.
A powerful tool
For Lisa Weir, Apprentice and Development Specialist at Certas Energy, that distinction matters: “Apprenticeships aren’t just about bringing people in – they’re about developing the people you already have,” she explains. “If they become a tick-box exercise, you’ve already lost the value.”
What comes through strongly is that apprenticeships are delivering far more than technical skills. Confidence, communication and problem-solving are frequently cited as early benefits – often visible within months – alongside a growing ability to adapt to change.
That experience is echoed by apprentices themselves. Tom Putterill describes how the programme has accelerated his development: “I feel like I’ve developed a lot since starting and I’ve gained a lot of confidence. I’m learning more every day – and no two days are the same.”
For others, the value lies in reassurance and support as much as skills. Another apprentice, Emma Hughes, reflects on returning to structured learning after time away: “I was nervous about starting because I hadn’t been in education for quite a while, but it’s been a really good experience. There’s always someone there to give you guidance and reassurance when you need it.”
Taken together, these experiences underline a wider lesson for the sector. Apprenticeships work best when businesses are clear about why they are investing, choose the right programmes, and commit time to supporting people properly. When that happens, apprenticeships become a powerful tool for building resilience – not just filling gaps.
In the March issue of Fuel Oil News, we speak in depth with Lisa Weir, and hear more from Certas apprentices, as we explore what’s working, what’s been learned, and what distributors of all sizes can take from their experience.
You can read the full interview and case study in Fuel Oil News – March issue, to be published March 5th. Subscribe now to be sure of your copy: Subscribe here
Image provided by Certas Energy