UK Power Networks has announced plans to significantly increase its apprenticeship intake in 2024, aiming to hire over 100 apprentices. This move represents more than 25% of the total industry intake, with 400 apprentices expected to join the sector across Great Britain.
The company, which currently serves around 20 million people, intends to diversify its new hires by including 34 individuals with previous work experience for a two-year apprenticeship and 16 school leavers for a three-year program. The initiative will also introduce 50 additional apprenticeship positions across various other business areas, including leadership academy recruits, data technicians, data analysts, data & technology solutions specialists, and finance apprentices.
In 2023, half of the apprentices recruited by the firm were career changers, transitioning from diverse professions such as barbering, zoo work, and brewing. UK Power Networks has been proactive in engaging apprentices from underprivileged and underrepresented backgrounds through specifically designed schemes.
The recruitment drive coincides with National Apprenticeship Week, which UK Power Networks says emphasises the company’s commitment to training and retaining apprentices for long-term careers within the dynamic energy sector. Existing employees are also encouraged to participate in higher apprenticeship schemes, supporting their skill development and career progression. The company’s inclusivity efforts extend to the “Power Among Us” internship scheme, which collaborates with youth groups in London to engage young people from underrepresented backgrounds.
Minister for Skills, Apprenticeships, and Higher Education Robert Halfon praised the initiative, highlighting the importance of apprenticeships in offering opportunities to all societal sectors, bridging skill gaps, and contributing to economic growth. He commended UK Power Networks for their effective use of the apprenticeship levy and their demonstrated success in integrating apprentices into their workforce.