Twenty-six recruits are supercharging their careers on UK Power Networks’ power apprenticeship.
A tree top adventure instructor, mortgage broker, former ballerina and motorbike mechanic are among the recruits switching to new roles with Britain’s biggest electricity distribution network operator.
They have joined the 86 craft apprentices already training in specialist skills as cable jointers, substation fitters and overhead linespeople on Power Networks Craftsperson (Level 3) Apprenticeships at UK Power Networks’ four specialist training centres.
In the next two years they will learn highly skilled trades which keep power supplies safe and reliable for approximately 20 million people across London, the South East and East of England.
Three of the new apprentices will work on private networks at UK Power Networks Services, which serves power infrastructure for commercial clients’ such as airports, defence, rail, EV fleets, industry and ports.
George Collier, 20, from Essex, will be training as a jointer after turning down the opportunity to study criminology. He says, “UK Power Networks was the reason I switched my career pathway. The company really looks after its staff. People have been working here for decades. There’s a reason for that: people want to stay with the company, and the company culture is a part of it.”
Tree top adventure instructor, Samuel Ferguson, 20, from Suffolk will train as a linesperson. He adds, “I will feel proud to be able to help the community and make sure the electricity network runs smoothly. It’s a lot of responsibility. The job could lead anywhere. I’m eager to get started as a linesperson and see where it takes me.”
Former mortgage broker, Harry Parker, 25, from Norfolk, will be training as a linesperson. He notes, “It’s important to me to be doing a role that not only pays the bills, but also helps the community. It’s a job that I can be proud of. Everything we do has a direct effect on the community we work in and the people who live there.”
Tony To, 31, from London, will join the UK Power Networks as a fitter working on substation equipment, bringing eight years of experience in the structural load testing industry. Tony comments, “I love the idea of being outside and working on the network – so this apprenticeship is a great fit for me. To be paid a good wage whilst learning a new trade, and feeling like you’re contributing to the community on something very important, was what drew me to the course.”
Charlie Aston, Engineering Trainee Manager at UK Power Networks, explains, “We are investing £6 million this year training new craft apprentices in skilled trades to safely maintain, connect and upgrade electricity networks.
“This investment supports an outstanding pipeline of talent to maintain excellent performance for our customers. Successfully completing the apprenticeship opens doors to skilled lifelong careers and an abundance of development opportunities.
“We do our utmost to make UK Power Networks’ apprenticeship programme a great place to learn, keeping our apprentices’ welfare at the heart of our training approach.”
UK Power Networks recruited 54 new apprentices last year and plans to recruit a similar number this year. There were 878 applications for the latest 26 posts, showing strong demand for the experienced apprenticeship.
Last year, 100% of the company’s apprentices completed their training, and all who qualify gain employment with the company.
For more from UK Power Networks, click here.