UK Power Networks has joined more than 400 organisations backing EngineeringUK’s ‘Tomorrow’s Engineers Code’, a pledge aimed at increasing the number and diversity of young people entering engineering and technology.
The move comes as electricity networks prepare for rising connections and higher demand driven by the electrification of transport and heating. The industry has repeatedly warned that expanding and maintaining local networks will require a stronger pipeline of engineers, technicians and apprentices.
EngineeringUK said the ‘Tomorrow’s Engineers Code’ is designed to help organisations collaborate on outreach, improve the quality of engagement with young people, and reach groups that have historically been underrepresented in the sector.
The organisation highlighted continuing gaps in representation across engineering. It said women make up 16.9% of the engineering workforce, 14% are from UK minority ethnic backgrounds, and 11% of engineering students are disabled – below the 15% average.
The Code centres on four pledges: inspiring young people through real-world, connected STEM experiences; reaching underrepresented groups; showcasing the range and relevance of engineering careers; and improving the impact of outreach through evaluation and shared learning.
Karen Woodward, Corporate Relationships Manager at EngineeringUK, commented, “We’re delighted that UK Power Networks has joined our growing Tomorrow’s Engineers Code community. The organisation is a proactive, longstanding and loyal supporter of our mission to enable more young people from all backgrounds to progress into engineering and tech.
“We are proud that UK Power Networks is also part of our Corporate Membership network and we’re excited they will be joining us for the first time at The Big Bang Fair 2026. The energy industry is a critical sector we are working with, as the UK strives towards achieving net zero. We look forward to continuing our collaboration to drive change and inspire more young people into these exciting future careers.”
Turning outreach into a skills pipeline
UK Power Networks already runs youth outreach initiatives including school careers talks, work placements, CV and interview support, career coaching and practical events such as hackathons, supported by employee volunteers.
Throughout 2026, the firm plans to run events aligned with the Code’s pledges, including the National Apprenticeship Show at Sandown Racecourse (10–11 February), mentoring student groups at hackathons in Uxbridge and Merton, and appearing at EngineeringUK’s Big Bang Fair (9–11 June) at the NEC Birmingham.
The company said it aims to work with more than 3,250 young people this year, providing exposure to careers in the electricity industry. It added that its activities last year resulted in more than 3,000 ‘meaningful interactions’, including hands-on experiences, mock assessment centres and speed networking at local colleges.
Leon Ford, Head of Technical Training and Assurance at UK Power Networks, added, “There is so much potential for young people in engineering careers and it’s our job to make sure the next generation don’t miss out through lack of opportunity or outdated perceptions of engineering.
“We need to actively engage with underrepresented groups, show young people careers that inspire them and collaborate with other businesses to increase accessibility to engineering.”
