The Energise programme, delivered by Catch22 and funded by Shell UK, has reached an extraordinary milestone: over 2,000 participants have now completed the tailored four-week training. They hail from Manchester, Liverpool, London, and Norfolk: proving that the Energise programme is a scalable way to equip people with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to enter the growing clean energy job market.
This achievement builds on the momentum we celebrated at our June event at the Royal Liver Building, where we launched phase two of Energise. It was a privilege to be joined on stage by the former Minister of State for Employment Alison McGovern, Liverpool’s Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram, Shell UK’s Sarah Bradley and programme participants to reflect on what’s possible when we come together around a shared purpose.
The Energise programme takes a participant-led approach with career coaches focusing on breaking down barriers to employment, building confidence and skills, and providing extended career coaching beyond the initial training programme. This opens up the pathways to long-standing careers in the energy transition sector for those not currently in employment, education or training.
Our most recent figures show that 2,033 people have now completed the programme, with 547 of those people already moving into paid employment and with 69% still in employment after 6 months. Beyond some incredible individual success stories and our training winning awards, the programme has delivered at least a £2.9 million* boost to the UK economy through reduced unemployment benefits and increased tax contributions.
Transforming skills, confidence, and wellbeing
Whilst Energise has supported more than 2,000 people through training, not just job outcomes are improved; but people’s wellbeing and confidence shine through after taking part. This is measured through our path to progress tool, which is a survey taken by each participant who completed the course, which found that:
- Confidence to enter the job market rose from 43.5% to 90.4% – a 108% increase.
- Confidence in interview success jumped from 31.2% to 80.9% – a 159% increase.
- Motivation to work rose from 54.1% to 94.1%.
- The number of participants facing mental health challenges decreased by 26%.
This holistic approach means Energise not only teaches clean energy skills; it also tackles barriers like low confidence, lack of job-search skills, and social isolation
The people behind the numbers
Statistics tell part of the story – but the real impact is seen in the real lives that are changed.
Ellie’s story – from redundancy to a new career
After a traffic accident left her with mobility challenges and reliant on a wheelchair, Ellie faced the double barrier of disability and redundancy. She joined Energise through her Jobcentre Plus Work Coach, eager to gain skills in sustainability. Through the workshops, she learned to refine her CV, master online presentation tools, and uncover hidden job opportunities.
With ongoing coaching, she successfully applied for a Patient Access Coordinator role at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Trust. Catch22 provided in-work support, from travel assistance to clothing vouchers, and connected her to Access to Work grants. Ellie says the programme “transformed my life” and allowed her to provide a better future for her children.
Alvin’s story – overcoming nerves to secure his dream job
Alvin had strong qualifications but struggled with crippling interview nerves, often breaking into nervous laughter. His Work Coach offered tailored interview practice, helping him manage anxiety and refine his career focus.
Despite setbacks, including a hospital stay that cost him a second-round interview, Alvin kept going. In March 2025, he secured a role as a Data Analyst with a mission to reduce carbon footprints. He says:
“The support my coach has given me has given me the confidence to believe in myself… I would recommend this service to everyone.”
Aneeta’s story – building a new life in the UK
A refugee and former teacher and biologist, Aneeta faced language barriers that made securing equivalent work in the UK challenging. She thrived in the Energise programme, improving her English skills and confidence. Her Work Coach helped get her overseas qualifications recognised and prepared her for vocational training.
After exploring different career paths, Aneeta began a trial in childcare and is now happily employed. She says:
“The experience has been transformative… The skills and confidence I have gained will have a lasting impact on my future.”
A diverse, inclusive programme
Our programmes aim to support people across the UK, particularly in areas of low employment rates and supporting a wide range of people who need us:
- 30.9% are female
- 50.7% from Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic backgrounds
- Ages ranging from 18 to over 55, with majority aged 18-30
- 46% referred by Jobcentre Plus
- Many are facing additional barriers, including lack of functional skills (11%), neurodivergence (12%), and single parenthood (9%)
Economic value with a human heart
The programme delivers significant Social Return on Investment (SRoI) by helping unemployed people to find good jobs faster and stay in them for longer than industry average. Energise:
- Helps jobseekers into work 13 weeks earlier than Job Centre Plus averages with 69% still being in work after six months, much higher than industry averages for pre-employment interventions.
- Saving £643,545.50 in unemployment benefits
- Generating over £2.27 million in tax and NI contributions
Looking Ahead
With demand for clean energy jobs growing, Energise is not only opening career doors, but also building the skilled, confident workforce the Net Zero transition needs. Supporting Shell UK’s aim to help 15,000 people into jobs, with a focus on the energy transition by 2035. The programme’s success in urban and rural areas indicates is scalability in tackling unemployment and closing net zero skills gaps. It also demonstrates value for money and taxpayer returns from public sector collaboration with corporate and charity sectors. We’re seeking robust independent evaluation to establish and scale what works about the Energise programme.
Please note that names have been changed for participants to remain anonymous.
*SRoI calculations are based on the 2024/25 benefit rates. Working on the estimation that the Energise programme has motivated participants to return to the labour market and sign off unemployment benefits earlier than just attending the job centre by 13 weeks earlier than just attending the job centre.
This has saved the UK taxpayers £643,545.50 in unemployment benefit payments
By helping 547 participants return to the labour market, their combined annual income tax & NI payments would be in excess of £2,277,795.52 for the coming year, (based on the 2024/25 UK min wage of £11.44 per hour at 35 hours a week)
At the point where 2000th participants completed the 4-week net zero training funded by Shell, the UK taxpayers have gained £2.9 million, due to the savings to benefits payments and increase in income tax & NI payments from the participants Energise has helped return to paid employment.
Please note: This calculation has been carried out by Catch22, not by Shell UK. Any figures, assumptions, or methodologies used reflect Catch22’s analysis and should not be attributed to Shell UK.