By Tegid Phillips, Civil & Environmental Engineering Graduate, Cardiff University.
Hands-On Experience and Renewable Energy: What my Bute Energy internships taught me.
Are you passionate about tackling climate change and eager to make a real impact in the renewable energy sector? So was I when I joined Bute Energy as a summer intern, and the experience turned out to be far more rewarding than I could have imagined.
A Summer to Remember at Bute Energy
This summer, I had the incredible opportunity to intern with Bute Energy, a renewable energy developer focused on building wind parks across Wales. From the moment I started, I knew this wouldn’t be your typical internship. Bute is a dynamic company where every department plays a crucial role in developing projects that can truly make a difference in our fight against climate change.
Bute’s internship programme gave me the chance to rotate through six different departments—each contributing in its own unique way to the success of our wind farms. These included:
From gaining insights into land management and development to understanding how renewable projects are communicated to communities and policymakers, I learned just how essential it is for every team to collaborate effectively. Without that synergy, these projects wouldn’t move from the planning phase to full construction and operation.
"Through this internship, I didn’t just gain knowledge about renewable energy—I grew as a person."
Hands-On Learning and Real-World Experiences
Interning at Bute Energy wasn’t just about observing—it was all about doing. My fellow intern, Angharad, and I tackled real projects, like mapping transport routes for wind turbine deliveries and researching sustainable turbine foundations. I was also involved in a project to track the progress of wind project developments across Wales, gaining invaluable experience in how these projects fit into the bigger picture of national energy infrastructure.
One of the most rewarding tasks I worked on involved using ArcGIS software to model potential wind project sites. This hands-on technical experience gave me the chance to apply my engineering skills in a real-world context, and the results were used by the commercial team for financial modeling.
The highlight? Working with two other interns to design a 132kV overhead power line! This multi-disciplinary project had its challenges, but it gave me a deep dive into the technical side of renewable energy, from engineering design to legal compliance.
Unique Experiences Beyond the Office
What sets Bute Energy apart from other internships is the wealth of unique experiences you gain. From attending a Wales women’s football game as a sponsor to participating in a youth panel at the National Eisteddfod, I found myself immersed in Welsh culture and industry at the same time.
One unexpected highlight was engaging with MPs and Members of the Senedd—an experience I never imagined having as an intern. I was quite unsure about the time I’d spend learning from the External Affairs Manager because my knowledge of politics beforehand was limited. Despite this, I really enjoyed that week, I learnt how to do stakeholder mapping and stakeholder engagement plans. I learned how political forces play an important role in shaping renewable energy projects and how Bute’s External Affairs team helps to educate and provide insight for key political figures as well as the communities they serve.
Why Bute Energy?
What truly sets this internship apart is how much Bute invests in you as an intern. You aren’t just there to learn—you’re an integral part of the team. I was constantly challenged, pushed outside my comfort zone, and encouraged to grow in ways I hadn’t anticipated. Each department not only offered technical insights but also helped me build soft skills like presentation, communication, and teamwork.
The best part? The sense of belonging. At Bute, I didn’t feel like “just an intern”—I felt like a valued member of the team from day one.
Building Skills for the Future
Through this internship, I didn’t just gain knowledge about renewable energy—I grew as a person. My confidence skyrocketed as I presented my work to senior team members and saw the tangible impact of my contributions. Whether it was navigating the complexities of planning processes for national significance or learning how to engage with political stakeholders and community leaders, every experience prepared me for the next steps in my career.
Bute’s internship program gives you the chance to:
The Welsh Advantage
And it’s not just about the work—Bute Energy is deeply rooted in the beautiful landscapes of Wales. Being part of a company that’s dedicated to making a positive impact on both the environment and local communities made this experience even more fulfilling. Plus, getting to explore Wales, from its thriving cities to its stunning coastlines, made it a summer I’ll never forget.
What’s Next for Me?
Moving forward, I’m excited to continue advocating for renewable energy. I plan to stay connected with Bute, attend future events, and promote sustainable solutions both online and in my local community. This internship has shaped my career path, and I’m eager to see where it takes me next.
Our internship programme is just one of the actions we’re taking to support young people to build their skills and experience to be part of our future net zero workforce.
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