UK Power Networks has enrolled 26 new apprentices across various skilled roles, including cable jointers, substation fitters, and overhead linespeople.
The 26 new recruits, who hail from diverse previous careers such as a tree top adventure instructor, a mortgage broker, and a former ballerina, have begun their Power Networks Craftsperson (Level 3) Apprenticeships at one of the company’s four specialist training centres.
The apprenticeship programme aims to equip them with the necessary skills to ensure safe and reliable power supplies to around 20 million people across London, the South East, and East of England. Over the next two years, these individuals will undertake rigorous training in their respective fields.
Among the new recruits is George Collier, a 20-year-old from Essex, who opted for a career change from criminology to train as a jointer.
“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,” he explained.
Samuel Ferguson, another new apprentice from Suffolk, shared his excitement about his future role, “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,” he said, “The job could lead anywhere. I’m eager to get started as a linesperson and see where it takes me.”
Harry Parker from Norfolk, a former mortgage broker, highlighted the community impact of his new role, saying, “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.”
Charlie Aston, Engineering Trainee Manager at UK Power Networks, underscored the company’s commitment to nurturing new talent, “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.
The programme saw 878 applications for this cycle, reflecting strong demand, with last year’s apprentices all gaining employment with the company upon completing their training. UK Power Networks plans to continue this trend by recruiting a similar number of apprentices this year.
