Andrew Collins, 39, from Crawley Downs, is training as a substation fitter with UK Power Networks Services at Gatwick Airport, gaining the skills that keep power flowing to essential electricity infrastructure. UK Power Networks and its commercial arm, UK Power Networks Services, are recruiting 54 apprentices in 2023, developing new skills to keep power flowing as experienced staff retire and serve the low carbon economy.

The apprentice will spend the next two years learning to maintain a reliable electricity network for a diverse range of commercial customers. Recruits train to become experts as either electrical linespeople, fitters or jointers and learn how to repair, maintain and connect overhead lines, substations or underground cables. Practical skills taught in the company’s dedicated training centres in Kent and Suffolk, will be put into practice during on-the-job training where they will live, work and serve their local communities.

Father of two, Andrew said:

Another Crawley native joining the UK Power Networks’ apprenticeship programme will be Adam Walker, 32. Born and raised in Crawley, Adam will be training in Three Bridges to become a jointer, keeping power flowing in his local community.

Adam is no stranger to UK Power Networks, having worked alongside the company and its overhead linespeople as a tree cutter since 2010. In this jointer role, Adam will be maintaining, repairing, and connecting cables on UK Power Networks’ underground network.

He said:

Demand for places was high, with nearly 700 applications for 26 roles. The highly-acclaimed training scheme, accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology, has a high retention rate of 98% and 25% of recruits achieve distinction. The apprentices train in Level 3 Apprenticeship Standards.

Phil Beach, chief executive Energy & Utility Skills, the skills body for the gas, power, waste management and water industries, said: