Business insight for students entering job market

Six young people in South London have been given the chance to develop into prime job applicants, through a new training programme by UK Power Networks (@UKPowerNetworks). 

The 16-23-year-olds students, all from sectors of society which are under-represented in many workplaces, participated through youth empowerment charity Urban Synergy (@Urban_Synergy). They spent a month building up professional experience at the energy firm, allowing them to develop skills they could use in the future, as well as boosting their CV. This put into action the ‘soft skills’ they had learned on Urban Synergy’s e-Mentoring programme.

They were paid to work across various departments within the organisation, including electrical design, employee engagement, computing, marketing and innovation. Trainees were rewarded with certificates and received careers advice to boost their employability prospects and confidence.

Elliott Henry-Hughes, 23, from Wallington, said:

“My time here has taught me what it takes to play a role in a major business. It’s been interesting to find out about the state of the electricity market and the changes the industry is expecting. I enjoyed shadowing engineers to gain knowledge from them, as well as visiting sites and seeing theoretical knowledge applied practically.”

Syed Ali, 16, from Bromley, said:

“During my time here, I’ve developed a better understanding of brand marketing and built confidence with using software programmes, as well as learning what it’s like to work a fast-paced environment. I enjoyed our team meetings as it allowed us to experience the real deal while actively taking part in a collaborative team.”

Jazz Chaggar, talent acquisition manager at UK Power Networks, said:

”We are a truly inclusive and diverse workplace. We are always working hard to do more and our relationship with Urban Synergy is a perfect example of this. All companies have a responsibility to ensure equal opportunities for all and we think that a vibrant workforce, from diverse backgrounds, ensures a whole range of fresh ideas and perspectives emerge to reflect the community we serve.”

UK Power Networks also runs an apprenticeship programme to bring in new talent for its future workforce, is rated a ‘platinum’ employer by Investors in People and is number six in the Top 25 Best Big Companies to Work For list.

UK Power Networks distributes electricity across London, the South East and East of England to 8.3 million customers. The company’s operational teams deliver safe and reliable power supplies, which enable the increasing uptake of Electric Vehicles and electric heating towards a low carbon future.