Power industry discusses growing diverse, young talent, in the face of future skills needs

Future skills needs was the theme of the day, with industry leaders such as Basil Scarsella, Chief Executive of UK Power Networks, and Bev Keogh, Director of Networks Business Assurance at Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks, discussing how employers can prepare a resilient workforce for the future. Artificial intelligence, robotics and big data were some of the big concepts up for debate on the day, with experts speaking about the impact these technologies could have on existing jobs and how they can also create new, highly skilled and innovative roles.

Diversity was also an important theme, as leading employers highlighted that it makes business sense to employ a diverse team to strengthen the effectiveness of the workforce and better reflect the customers their businesses serve. There was a recognised need for more diversity in the industry, whether it be increasing the gender balance and addressing the gender pay gap, increasing BAME representation, or encouraging more applications from individuals with disabilities. As one of the sectors in the UK with the lowest numbers of female employees, this was a key take away for attendees on the day.

At the heart of the conference were people and inspiring the future workforce. Over the course of the day we heard from a panel of rising stars in industry, with young representatives from Amey, Ofgem, Northern Powergrid and Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks, who were examples of the excellent talent that exists within the sector, showing industry how they can attract and grow more of this talent. Conference attendees were also inspired by David Clarke, former Paralympian and GB Blind Football Captain, and Jon Watts, an ex-offender who transformed his life by undertaking all three levels of The Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards.

Nick Ellins, Group Chief Executive, National Skills Academy for Power and Energy & Utility Skills, commented: “The National Skills Academy for Power’s Skills Summit brought together the UK sector’s policy makers, regulators, regulated companies, supply chain and unions, who collectively deliver such essential services to our society and economy. The collaborative and positive environment focused on ensuring workforce resilience, sharing the latest best practice and encouraging the industry’s rising stars and workforce of tomorrow.”

NSAP is a membership organisation that delivers initiatives, products and services identified as essential by our member employers to the long-term sustainability and attractiveness of the sector. It is part of Energy & Utility Skills.

Energy & Utility Skills is an organisation which is at the forefront of bringing our industry leaders together to identify and address the skills challenges our sector faces. It provides membership, assurance and skills solutions to help employers attract, develop and retain a sustainable skilled workforce. It collaborates with employers to support their workforce needs and sector-wide workforce mobility.