Leeds-based energy consultancy Smarta Energy is preparing to launch a five-day Mid-Market Sales Training Programme designed to give graduates practical skills, industry knowledge and a valuable route into the UK energy sector. The proposed programme has been created to support young people at the early stages of their careers by offering structured training, practical experience and a clearer understanding of what a career in commercial energy sales can look like. Unlike a traditional recruitment process based solely on CVs and interviews, the programme gives candidates the opportunity to learn, develop and demonstrate their potential in a practical and supportive environment.
Participants will receive training across key areas of the energy industry, sales, procurement, communication and commercial decision-making. The programme is aimed at graduates and will provide an introduction to Mid-Market Sales, helping participants build confidence, develop transferable skills and gain insight into one of the UK’s most important and fast-moving sectors. Over the five-day programme, candidates will cover topics including the UK energy market, gas and electricity basics, energy contracts, procurement, flexible purchasing, consultative selling, objection handling, customer lifecycle, commercial energy expertise, compliance and presentation skills.
The training is designed to be developmental, fair and transparent. Candidates will not be expected to carry out productive work for the business during the programme. Instead, the focus will be on learning, coaching, structured exercises and assessment. At the end of the programme, participants will receive a certificate of completion. Candidates who demonstrate the required skills, behaviours and potential may also be considered for a paid, permanent role within Smarta Energy’s Mid-Market team. Smarta Energy is looking to grow its Mid-Market team from October, with the programme providing a potential pathway into permanent employment for candidates who meet the required standards.
A spokesperson for Smarta Energy said:
“Starting a career can be difficult, especially for young people who may not yet have years of experience behind them. We wanted to create a programme that gives graduates a genuine opportunity to learn, ask questions, build confidence and show what they can do in a practical setting. The energy industry can offer exciting, long-term career opportunities, but it can also feel complex from the outside. This programme is designed to make that first step more accessible by combining training, coaching and real insight into the commercial energy market. Our aim is to create a fair and supportive process that benefits every participant, whether or not they go on to secure a role with Smarta Energy. Everyone who takes part should leave with greater knowledge, stronger confidence and skills they can take forward into their career.”
The programme will be structured to ensure all candidates receive the same training, information and opportunity to demonstrate their abilities. Recruitment decisions will be made using agreed criteria, helping to create a fair, consistent and transparent process for all applicants.
The idea for the programme has also been shaped by Smarta Energy’s recent experience supporting early-career talent through two successful internships. One former intern has since been offered a full-time role and is now thriving within the business, while another returned to complete her final year at university with a greater understanding of the opportunities available within the energy sector. For Smarta Energy, these experiences highlighted the value of giving young people real exposure, encouragement and support at an early stage in their careers.
The job market can be difficult for young people, especially when many entry-level roles still ask for experience. Smarta Energy sees this programme as a practical way to help graduates build skills, confidence and knowledge they can take forward, whether or not they secure a permanent role with the company. At the same time, it gives the team the opportunity to get to know candidates beyond a CV and understand whether they could be a good fit for the business.
As a Leeds-based company, Smarta Energy believes it has a responsibility to support the next generation where possible. It is a difficult world to step into, and where businesses can help, they should. The launch of the programme reflects Smarta Energy’s wider commitment to investing in people, supporting early careers and creating meaningful routes into the business energy industry.
The deadline for application is Monday, at 5pm on the 21st September. If you would like to be considered for this opportunity, please send your CV to Dan at [email protected].
