An Essex apprentice has joined the workforce at UK Power Networks, to gain skills that keep power flowing, while helping more low carbon technologies to connect.
Donny Day, from Clacton-on-Sea, will join the UK Power Networks ranks as an overhead linesperson, based in Colchester. He is one of 54 new apprentices to join the company in 2023, developing new skills to keep the lights on as experienced staff retire and serve the low carbon economy. Donny will be maintaining the high voltage overhead lines, a crucial role to keep the lights on for homes and businesses, especially during extreme weather.
Donny has experience working at height, previously working for on overhead wiring for broadband cables.
He said: “I was buzzing to be selected for the apprenticeship programme. I was worried I would not be picked, and was so happy to get the job. The rest of the group at the induction week have been a great bunch, and the course leaders have been brilliant.
“Job opportunities like this can be difficult to find and climbing poles is something I have always done.
“I want to gain knowledge about the network, and consider moving into management in the future. My family are all happy for me and I feel like I’ve joined the club now with a good career of my own.”
The apprentices will spend the next two years learning traditional skills to rigorous standards, maintaining a reliable electricity network for 8.5 million homes and businesses across London, the South East and East of England. Their work will support power infrastructure which will enable people to use an estimated 4.3 million Electric Vehicles and 650,000 heat pumps by 2030.
Recruits will 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 Suffolk and Kent, will be put into practice during on-the-job training where they will live, work and serve their local communities.
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 very high retention rate of 98% and 25% of recruits achieve distinction. The apprentices train in Level 3 Apprenticeship Standards.
Charlie Aston, engineering trainee manager at UK Power Networks, said: “The next decade is set to be a transformative time for the electricity sector as Britain progresses towards achieving Net Zero. We are investing in training local talent to make sure we have the pipeline of essential skills necessary to continue providing a great service to our customers.
“Our craft apprenticeship programmes ensure a high-quality, well-trained workforce fit to maintain reliable power supplies and serve our communities. UK Power Networks is recognised as a great place to work and successful apprentices can look forward to secure jobs and exciting career development and training prospects. We would also like more women to apply, and reap the benefits from these rewarding career opportunities.”
Phil Beach, chief executive Energy & Utility Skills, the skills body for the gas, power, waste management and water industries, said: “We are delighted that new power apprentices are starting their careers at UK Power Networks on the high quality, future-facing apprenticeship standards that are an important part of our work in delivering a safe, skilled and sustainable workforce with employers. As a provider of rigorous end point assessment, Energy & Utility Skills Independent Assessment Service is confident that these power apprenticeships will provide the best possible start to new careers. The drive to Net Zero and a green power grid is creating great opportunities for apprentices of all ages and backgrounds to enjoy long, high-quality careers and make a positive difference to the transformation of the UK power industry.”
