21 apprentices launch careers in power

Twenty-one apprentices have started careers in the electricity industry with UK Power Networks (@UKPowerNetworks).

The new recruits at UK Power Networks will be trained in traditional skills that maintain, repair and build electricity networks which deliver power to 8.3 million homes and businesses across London, the South East and East of England to ensure safe and reliable power supplies. They will also play a key role in the UK’s transition to Net Zero, as the company helps to enable low carbon technologies for local communities, including electric transport and heating.

All the trainees will spend three years completing the foundation apprenticeship specialising in one of three traditional crafts as electrical linespeople, fitters or jointers learning how to safely repair, maintain and connect overhead lines, substations or underground cables. Two of the trainees will join the commercial arm of the business, UK Power Networks Services, working on infrastructure projects at Stansted Airport and the Ministry of Defence.

Owen Ryan, 22, from Luton, said:

“Both my uncles have previously worked for this company so I’ve always had an interest in the field. Apprenticeships are important because it gives you that practical experience while you earn at the same time. I’m looking forward to completing my training to become a fully qualified overhead linesperson.”

Joseph Davey, 18, from Peterborough, said:

“I studied electrical installation at college for the last two years at level two and three so this feels like the next logical step. An apprenticeship is a nice blend of further education combined with practical work and that suits someone like me who is more hands-on.”

Charlie Aston, engineering trainee manager at UK Power Networks, said:

“This is a time of great change in the electricity industry and the apprentices will learn to play a key role in maintaining reliable electricity supplies. The future is bright for these new recruits and if they perform well, they can look forward to a secure future and excellent working conditions.

“Once they are fully trained, they will keep power flowing to our communities, provide new connections, upgrade electricity substations and carry out essential electrical maintenance. We refer to them ‘keeping the lights on’, but these trainees will do much more than that as our essential networks power heating, lighting, the internet and Electric Vehicles.”

The first five months of their training is at Bridgwater and Taunton College in Somerset where they will complete a City and Guilds qualification in Electrical Power Engineering. This is the technical qualification required to achieve the Level 3 Power Networks Craftsperson Apprenticeship. The practical element of the apprenticeship will be completed at the company’s dedicated training centres in Suffolk and Kent coupled with on-the-job training with experienced field staff, putting new skills into practice under personal supervision.

Since 2016 all foundation apprentices who join UK Power Networks have completed the Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award as part of their training, fostering a spirit of teamwork and resilience.

Following the latest Ofsted monitoring visit the company’s training programme continues to be placed in the top 3% of employer training providers.

UK Power Networks is ranked number one in the global Smart Grid Index, number six in the UK’s Top 25 Best Big Companies to Work For, and a ‘Platinum’ Investor in People.