It's National Apprenticeship Week and energy solutions provider, UK Power Networks Services is stepping up its search for three new recruits to join the company to help serve industries such as rail, airport and defence, in September.

The apprentices will learn vital skills needed for the safe and reliable running of electricity supplies. They can also expect to play a role in meeting the growing demand from public and private sector organisations with critical infrastructure for low carbon technologies.

Steven Read, trainees programme manager said: “As industries look to low carbon technologies to help achieve their sustainability and cost ambitions, our apprentices can expect to play an important role in achieving the country’s net zero carbon emissions targets over the next 30 years.

“Technology will move on in leaps and bounds over their careers and our apprentices can play a substantial role. This is an exciting time to join one of the best apprenticeships in the country. They will receive extensive training in the classroom, mentoring and coaching, on-the-job work supervision and skills for life which can open doors to a wide range of careers.”

During their first weeks they join a team building Outward Bound course in the Lake District where they have their first introduction to their outdoors career through wild camping and hiking. They are all given the opportunity to complete a Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award to develop their skills.

Steven said: “Our apprentices will be serving our customers so we look for people who share the company’s focus on teamwork and values of continuous improvement, integrity, responsibility, diversity and inclusiveness, respect and unity. They will shadow a team as part of their training, spending at least a quarter of the programme completing on-the-job training.

“Fitness is key to these roles which suit people who want to work outside, in all weathers. When the weather is at its worst we are usually at our busiest on the network. That makes our apprenticeship an ideal opportunity for people that enjoy working in the outdoors and want variety as they will face different challenges every day, usually in a different location.”

Sue Winrow, senior national account manager at the Education and Skills Funding Agency, said: “It is fantastic that UK Power Networks Services are involved in apprenticeships and provide high quality apprenticeship training opportunities that enable people to build successful careers. Apprenticeships benefit people of all ages and backgrounds: for many, an apprenticeship has opened a new world of work and learning, building their confidence and helping them to progress.”

Joan Coe, Head of Communications and Corporate Affairs, Energy & Utility Skills, said: “Apprenticeships provide an excellent opportunity for anyone from any background, with or without experience to earn while they learn. For anyone who enjoys life outside the office, and wants to make a contribution to net zero carbon, applying for one of these roles will open up a career with one of the country’s biggest electricity distributors.”

The theme of National Apprenticeship Week is ‘Look Beyond’ and will celebrate diversity. UK Power Networks Services is currently a proud holder of the National Equality Standard (NES), the top UK standard of best practice on equality, diversity and inclusion.

To find out more about the apprenticeship scheme and apply by March 8 visit: http://www.ukpowernetworkscareers.co.uk/careers/

Case study: Power apprentice Ross Wilcox, 19

Based in Stevenage, Ross describes his role on UK Power Network Services’ apprenticeship programme.

How did your apprenticeship come about?

I live in Stevenage and work for UK Power Networks Services at Stansted Airport as an apprentice which I started last September, it runs for three years.

I did A-levels at school, but didn’t come out with the grades I needed for the University place I initially wanted. My stepfather is a distribution planning engineer at UK Power Networks and he told me about UK Power Networks Services’ apprenticeship scheme and how it might be an option for me to consider. I applied and was lucky enough to get it.

How are you finding the apprenticeship?

I’m with a really nice group of colleagues and all the coaches and teachers give you huge support. It’s worked out really well as I’m not an academic learner as such, learning hands-on on the job works better for me personally.

Jointing is what I’ve chosen and I think the desire to secure a trade like that comes from having family members like cousins who have a trade, a skill you can sell sets you up for a long career.

Would you advise others to take an apprenticeship?

I know a lot of people go to University, a lot of my friends did and I nearly did, but apprenticeships are a better fit if you want to start earning and secure yourself a trade that will give you employment for many years. For me, it was a fork in the road and I’m confident I took the best route and am heading in the right direction.

What do you do when you are not working?

When I’m not working I’ve got a few hobbies, I like to go downhill mountain biking and, when I can, I like to go on snowboarding holidays. They do both sound a bit dangerous, but it depends how fast you go!