Community Energy Manager

Dave developed Bristol Energy Network – a community interest company led by community members to direct the priorities for energy transition projects in their neighbourhoods.

“Empowering communities to achieve energy independence, resilience, and long-term sustainability.”

Dave’s role is to coordinate the delivery of renewable energy and energy efficiency projects to meet the unique needs of local communities. The energy solutions are community owned and ensure benefits and jobs for local people.

Projects include rolling out solar panels on homes and community buildings, developing solar farms or large wind turbines to power communities (see Lawrence Weston Wind Turbine in the photo!!), improving insulation and energy efficiency, and tackling fuel poverty by making energy more affordable and accessible.

Best bits? There are so many! “Thinking about your project and then seeing it being built…. Using a thermal imaging camera to see where the heat is escaping from a house… [Doing a] climbing course to climb a wind turbine… all amazing experiences.”

Job Insight

Official job title: Community Energy Project Development Manager

Earning: £30,000 – £50,000

Workplace: Dave is involved from project concept – collaborating with the community to identify problems and develop potential solutions; to project development – bridging the gap between community groups and technical specialists; to build and finally completion. It means Dave meets technical experts from all different specialisms – so collaboration skills are key.

“It can take a lot of time for a project to happen so you need a lot of patience and can be hard work to get an idea into a project. But hard work for a dream is worth it when it is completed.”

Dave’s Career Path

Dave’s top tips for your career: “If you’re thinking about your future career, start by writing down your dream jobs and have fun exploring them! Focus on studying the things you enjoy, because that’s where your passion shines. Whatever career you dream of, remember to give it a try and keep learning along the way!”

To get a job as a Community Development Worker like Dave’s, after school you could try:

Have a listen to Rita’s story as a Community Development Manager – she went straight into work after school.

Build your skills

Green skills are your skills put into action in a Green job that helps reduce carbon emissions & protects the planet.

Want to build your speaking and creativity skills to get a Green job like Dave’s? Head to Skills Builder to start your journey!

Parent’s/Carers – you can help your young person build their skills at home.

Dave’s top tips continued: “Even if school grades don’t go as planned, work experience and volunteering can help you build the skills you need to succeed. Apprenticeships and Access Courses can also provide a clear, structured path to reach your goals.“

Volunteering

To build your skills whilst giving back to the community. You can find volunteer opportunities on Do It, My Community and The National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO)

Discover your top strengths

Go to WISE “My Skills My Life” and take the personality quiz.

It’s just 15 quick questions and you can see how you match up to Dave’s strength’s below.

Dave’s personality strengths:

Manager

Communicator

Coordinator

Build your career

If you’re 11 years old and up, you can start to build your Career Profile on Career Pilot – explore your skills, interests and potential job options here!

Read more