Minimum 5 GCSEs at grade 4/C or above
Especially in English and Maths
A Levels / BTECs:
3 A levels ranging from BBB to A*AA in relevant subjects such as:
• Math
• Business Studies
• Economics
You could then go on to university and study for a degree in Economics, Finance, or a related subject.
Or you could pursue a degree apprenticeship after A levels and work your way up to becoming a Financial Analyst or Economist within the renewable energy sector.

When it comes to becoming an Economist or Financial Analyst in the renewable energy industry, you’ll usually need a degree or postgraduate qualification in economics or finance.

Entry requirements to get into university include:
3 A Levels at grades ABB to A*AA, including Maths or Economics. Some universities will accept other social science or business-related subjects as well, such as Business Studies or Statistics.

As for the degree, you could take a course in subjects such as:
Economics – This degree develops your ability to understand markets, analyse data, and interpret how policies affect energy investment.
You’ll be able to study economics across multiple universities, such as:
• The University of Bristol, who are ranked within the UK top 10 for Economics. They typically offer rigorous training in quantitative economics while building core knowledge in mathematics, statistics, macro- and microeconomics. Bristol will require you to achieve an A*AA that includes Mathematics within your A levels.
• University of Bath, which will develop the skills you need to resolve complex economic issues, while giving you the opportunity to do a professional placement, which is a great way to get insights into the career path you want and get a bit of real-world experience in industries like energy or finance. Bath will also require you to achieve an A*AA that includes mathematics within your A levels.
However, some employers may prefer or even require you to have a master’s or postgraduate qualification. So, if you truly would like to go fully in-depth into environmental and social problems, then Ecological Economics is also a course that universities provide. For example:
• University of Leeds, who will give you the insight of how governance addresses questions of economic and environmental governance from local to global and multiple scales. One of the things that they focus on is climate change. Leeds requires you to achieve a bachelor's degree with a 2:1 or higher (hons) in social sciences, environmental studies or economics.
• Or energy economics and finance by the University of Aberdeen. This course trains you in the economic principles that businesses and governments use to understand world energy markets. They simply require you to have an undergraduate degree at the UK honours level.
These qualifications are perfect if you're looking to enter the offshore renewable sector, especially in
roles that involve investment strategy, energy policy forecasting, and economic risk assessment for
wind to hydrogen or battery storage projects.

You can also become a Financial Analyst or Economist through a degree apprenticeship route. This is ideal for those who want to earn a salary while gaining practical experience in a finance or data-related role. Apprenticeships combine real-world training with study and typically last 3–5 years, depending on
the level. A few examples of these apprenticeships are:
• Professional Economist Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship – This apprenticeship produces rigorous, relevant and impactful economic analysis to drive decision-making at all levels. You’ll learn how to analyse economic data, model trends, be well-versed in communication and assess the impacts of energy policy. They would want candidates to typically have three A levels that includes mathematics, along with the willingness to learn.
• Financial services administrator (level 3) - A good entry-level role if you're early in your career journey and if college/A-levels aren’t for you. This will be a nice stepping stone to higher-level apprenticeships like the professional Economist Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship. You’d work in finance or economic departments, supporting analysts by collecting and organising data, preparing reports, and assisting in budgeting or cost tracking for energy projects.
These apprenticeships offer flexible and practical ways to enter high-demand roles in the offshore renewable sector without needing to go down the traditional university route.
You can find more information and apply for apprenticeships on platforms such as:
• Gov.uk find the apprenticeship website.
• Coleg Llandrillo apprenticeship section.
• Career Wales for apprenticeships in Wales.
• Apprenticeship.scot for apprenticeships in Scotland.
• Talent View for apprenticeships in England.