This year’s World Youth Skills Day falls amid the operational and economic uncertainty of the Coronavirus pandemic. From big cities to smaller communities, the UK has been impacted by the coronavirus. However, during such doubt, we have looked to skilled essential workers to keep us safe, secure and moving forwards. This year’s World Youth Skills Day takes time to focus on those skilled essential workers that have not only done just that but are still developing their skillset and creating a better future.
In the UK, the gas and electricity networks are working tirelessly to keep Britain’s energy flowing, carrying on vital work to the nation’s energy infrastructure. Of those 36,000 workers, 1,200 are young apprentices and colleagues carrying out essential work to service homes and businesses as well as hospitals, care homes and supermarkets. They are the foundation with which the energy infrastructure of the UK is built, and each energy network is constantly actively looking to bolster its numbers of young colleagues.
If developing a career with the energy networks interests you then you can find information from each of the energy networks below.
Cadent
With the relevant qualifications and plenty of enthusiasm, curiosity and motivation, Cadent’s Field Force Apprenticeship Programmes, which run from two to four years offer young individuals in-depth technical knowledge, on the job skills and access to some of the brightest engineering minds as they work towards achieving the Trailblazer Apprenticeship qualification.
For more information, visit: https://cadentgas.com/careers/roles/apprentices
Electricity North West
Electricity North West’s three-year apprenticeship programmes will kick start fledgling careers by providing ambitious and aspiring young individuals with industry recognised qualifications through hands on experience and high-quality training with the overall aim of becoming a permanent employee.
For more information, visit: https://www.enwl.co.uk/about-us/careers/craft-apprenticeships/
National Grid
A National Grid apprenticeship isn’t just about getting a job – it’s an opportunity to join a new generation of talent, charged with shaping the future of energy. National Grid will help young individuals develop skills through a combination of practical work and academic study, all the while empowering individuals with the passion, skills and knowledge needed to power the UK.
For more information, visit: https://careers.nationalgrid.com/new-talent/apprentices
Northern Gas Networks
Northern Gas Networks is a major regional employer and is constantly searching for fresh new talent to improve its service to the public. For the organisation new insights and inspiration is vitally important and it’s committed to fostering the best apprentice and graduate programmes so that there is always a new generation waiting in the wings as experienced colleagues retire.
For more information, visit: https://careers.northerngasnetworks.co.uk/
Northern Powergrid
Northern Powergrid is passionate about finding talented young individuals. The apprentice, graduate and trainee programmes equip young individuals with the on the job skills and top specialist quality training to follow a career in energy. Once appointed, those that complete the placement will be appointed to a challenging and rewarding role within the company.
For more information, visit: https://www.northernpowergrid.com/careers
SGN
SGN is always looking for enthusiastic individuals to join its talented and award-winning team. The company is passionate about the development and progression of all its people, and offers tailored coaching programmes to employees at all levels to support everyone in achieving their full potential.
For more information, visit: https://sgn.co.uk/about-us/careers-hub
Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks
Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks Apprenticeship Programme offers young individuals the chance to earn whilst they learn new skills and gain valuable work experience and qualifications. The programme can take three to four years to complete and is centred on work-based learning and training linked directly to the job.
For more information, visit: https://www.ssen.co.uk/Careers/Apprenticeships/
SP Energy Networks
SP Energy Networks is focused on recruiting the right people, with the right skills, in the right place to help create a cleaner, more affordable and more secure energy supply for the UK. Through its various apprentice programmes it is seeking to bring passion and knowledge to teams already powering the UK now and in the future.
For more information, visit: https://www.spenergynetworks.co.uk/pages/careers.aspx
UK Power Networks
An apprenticeship with UK Power Networks gives young individuals the opportunity to kick start their career and follow a Trailblazer Apprenticeship Standard, becoming a fully qualified and competent craft person in one of three trades in the electrical industry: cable jointer, overhead lines person and electrical fitter.
For more information, visit: https://careers.ukpowernetworks.co.uk/go/Apprentices/4279400/
Wales & West Utilities
Wales & West Utilities have recruited more than 185 apprentices since it started operations in 2005. The apprenticeships provide training both on the job, working with experienced engineers to learn technical skills, and in classrooms in the company’s purpose-built training academies or local colleges. Apprentices are supported by dedicated, experienced mentors who will share their knowledge and experience of the gas industry throughout the education journey. Wales & West Utilities People & Engagement Director, Sarah Hopkins, said: “Our apprentices are part of the next generation of gas engineer - ready to deliver green energy in the future. Apprenticeships are a great opportunity for people who want a hands-on career and to learn while they earn. We’re delighted with how our programme has grown since we started operations in 2005.”
For more information, visit: https://www.wwutilities.co.uk/about-us/our-company/careers/apprenticeships/
Western Power Distribution
Apprenticeships with Western Power Distribution offer a paid and supportive introduction into learning a skill for life in an innovative industry where there are many opportunities for on-going development and to build a progressive career. Its people are at the heart of its business and Western Power Distribution works hard to give its apprentices the skills to be the best staff of tomorrow.
For more information, visit: https://careers.westernpower.co.uk/category/craft-apprenticeships
Press contacts for journalists
James Pleass
Performance & Delivery Manager
Energy Networks Association
+44 (0) 20 7706 5149
+44 (0) 7792 220 974
james.pleass@energynetworks.org
ENA Press Office
About Energy Networks Association
Energy Networks Association (ENA) is the industry body representing the electricity wires, gas pipes and energy system in the UK and Ireland.
ENA helps its members meet the challenge of delivering electricity and gas to communities across the UK and Ireland safely, sustainably and reliably.
Its members include every major electricity and gas network operator in the UK and Ireland, independent operators, National Grid ESO which operates the electricity system in Great Britain and National Gas which operates the gas system in Great Britain. Its affiliate membership also includes companies with an interest in energy, including Heathrow Airport and Network Rail.
What are energy network operators?
Energy network operators manage and maintain the wires, pipes and other infrastructure which delivers electricity and gas to your home, business and community. They are private companies which are regulated by Ofgem and employ around 40,000 people in Great Britain.