The training schools of UK Power Networks have welcomed 27 new apprentices learning to master skills which keep electricity flowing to millions of customers.
A baker, quad bike instructor and railway worker have joined new apprentices preparing with Britain’s biggest electricity network for jobs that keep safe and reliable power supplies flowing to 20 million people across London, the South East and East of England.
The group includes school and college leavers, who can qualify in three years, and apprentices making a career change, who complete condensed training in two years.
The company has purpose-built training facilities with electricity poles and wires, underground cables and substations, where 110 craft apprentices learn specialist trades as cable jointers, substation fitters and linespeople.
UK Power Networks was recently named Large Employer of the Year in the Department for Education’s South East Regional Apprenticeship and Skills Awards 2024 and won Training Provision of the Year at the Energy & Utility Skills Awards 2024.
The 27 new appointments were announced ahead of Tomorrow’s Engineers Week (taking place from 11-15 November). Among the 27 individuals are the following:
• Top student Morgan Wass, 20, from Hertfordshire, studied electrical installations and is training to be a jointer in Borehamwood. She says, “You don’t see many women in this industry. It’s nice to be able to do something different, where we can make a difference. I passed top of my classes at college. I think people see the electricity network as run by men, but more women are getting into hands-on roles now, and that’s a good thing. It’s not only men who can succeed at these jobs – women can too.”
• Liam Apps, 19, from Kent, is training as an overhead linesperson. He comments, “I’ll be learning to maintain and repair overhead power lines and ensuring we sure we keep the electricity on. Once I’m qualified, I’ll feel proud completing a job that gets the lights back on and helping the public. It’s a company where there is a lot of support and we’ve been made welcome. All the managers and staff are approachable. It feels like being welcomed into a family.”
• Sadie Haywood, 18, from Clacton, will train as an overhead linesperson in Colchester. She notes, “As a woman joining the course, it felt daunting to start, but everyone quickly made me feel at home. I love to fish with my Dad, and the fishing industry is similar to the utilities industry where it’s male dominated; but I think it is important to show that women can join this industry.”
On encouraging young women to enter the industry, Sadie adds, “Take your confidence and run with it. You can do any job you set your mind to, there’s no reason why it should stop you. I’d like to take my three-year course and train further in jointing and fitting disciplines.”
Charlie Aston, Engineering Trainee Manager at UK Power Networks, remarks, “Our apprentices are getting ready to take on crucial roles maintaining electricity supplies in our communities – work that typically happens behind the scenes, around the clock, and regardless of the weather.
“Safety and welfare are central to our apprenticeship, and we expect high standards of ourselves and our new apprentices. We nurture and empower apprentices to realise their potential, building a foundation for skilled lifelong careers and development opportunities.”
There were 33 applications for every vacancy on the Power Networks Craftsperson (Level 3) Apprenticeships. The programme has seen a 38% distinction rate, exceeding national retention and completion rates, with all who qualify gaining employment with the company.
The new trainees include three women in a sector where women are welcomed but underrepresented among job applications. Sixteen apprentices will train as linespeople, six as cable jointers and five as substation fitters. Theory gained at college is put into practice under supervision with mentors at their local depots and at the training centres.
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