UK Power Networks’ apprentices learn new skills while earning

As National Apprenticeship Week approaches (March 4-8), UK Power Networks is searching for people to learn how to safely operate the electricity networks for homes, businesses, schools and hospitals across London, the South East and East of England.

A total of 26 apprenticeships are available for the network operator which keeps the lights on, in Maidstone, Canning Town, Brixton, Covent Garden, Bury, Borehamwood, Cambridge, Colchester, Downham Market, Hemel Hempstead, Kings Lynn, Lea Valley, Letchworth, Norwich, Purfleet, Stevenage, Brighton, Canterbury, Crawley, Strood and Tunbridge Wells and a further ten are available in commercial services at Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Aldershot and Chatham.

Recruits last year included Rebecca Larsen, 28, from Orsett and Ellis Thomas, 18, from Gillingham, training as electricity linespeople and David Ground, 39, a former Royal Marine from Southwick, training as a substation fitter. Once they are fully qualified it could be them coming to the rescue if the lights go off.

Steve Read, trainees programmes manager at UK Power Networks, said: “I came through the apprenticeship programme myself. I think it’s an excellent way of learning a skill and a trade at the same time as developing skills that we need in the future. We need the dedication of our apprentices to keep delivering network reliability and great customer service. They are our next generation of experts who will keep our lights on daily. It’s hard work, but the rewards are there for those who are successful.”

UK Power Networks is currently training 93 apprentices in how to safely repair, maintain and connect overhead power lines (linespeople), underground cables (jointers), or electricity substations (fitters). A further nine apprentices recently completed their training which included qualifications in electrical power engineering.

Apprentice linesman, Matt Dudley, from Luton, who is on his third year of the apprenticeship, said: “It’s a strange feeling because it’s quite unnatural (climbing an electricity pole). All you want to do is hug the pole, you just have to learn to trust your gear. The apprenticeship has been really great. It has taught me so much that I can transfer in the future.”

Sammy-Jo Evans, 21, from Chelmsford, works as an electrical fitter at Stansted. She has completed her apprenticeship and is now studying for a Higher National Certificate. She said: “This is the best thing I have ever done. I learnt a craft while earning, which was a bonus. For anyone considering apprenticeships I would say do it. It’s the way forward.”

UK Power Networks is a Sunday Times Top 25 Best Big Company to Work For, as voted for by its employees, and was the first electricity network to gain the National Equality Standard. Safety is top priority and the company works hard to maintain a sector-leading safety performance.

Applications for the 2019 apprenticeship scheme at UK Power Networks close on April 12.