Class of 2023 higher apprentices to keep energy flowing
A brand-new talented team of higher apprentices has completed an engineering learning pathway to help keep power flowing to local communities.
Fifteen employees at UK Power Networks and UK Power Networks Services have graduated from a two-year Higher Apprentices Level 4 Engineering Development Programme which places them in line for managerial roles across the company.
All the higher apprentices gained Higher National Certificate (HNC) either before or during their apprenticeship. Prior to graduation the higher apprentices have been working in electrical engineering apprentice roles, including rotations in different functions across UK Power Networks to learn the knowledge, skills and behaviours required for an engineering role.
This is the firm’s second cohort of higher apprentices to go through the specialist programme, following the first group in 2019.
Lewis Manley, field engineer in Maidstone, was previously electrical fitter and now manages the work of the fitters throughout the Kent region. He said: “I have completed 20 years of education throughout my life through school, university, college and apprenticeships. I’m very pleased with how things turned out. It means I have now been released into the real world of electrical engineering!
“I am most grateful for the job security we have at UK Power Networks. I have completed 14 years here and I’m looking forward to spending at least another 14! The security allows me to plan five, 10 and even 15 years ahead for ideas or targets both inside and outside work."
Chris Thorman was also previously a fitter but now works as a field engineer in Bedford. He said: “It feels great to have finished the course. Between the apprenticeship, doing a Higher National Certificate, day to day work, COVID-19, and becoming a first-time dad, it has been a hectic couple of years.
“The course was tougher than I expected but the rewards have matched the hard work. I have developed both professionally and personally and really enjoyed doing so.”
James Bovill, HA protection and commissioning engineer, is just the second person to go through the Electrical Power Protection and Plant Commissioning Engineer (EPPPCE) at UK Power Networks. He said: “It feels great to have finally finished the EPPPCE Level 4 apprenticeship! The scheme has challenged me and my way thinking throughout, testing, and stretching both my knowledge and skill base.
“One of the best things about working here is you have got to say firstly the people. We truly have some great people working at UK Power Networks, and some great role models to look up to and follow. The only person that is stopping you from achieving anything is you!”
Lee Perkins, engineering trainees team leader at UK Power Networks, said: “I took over mentoring and supporting of the programme in March 2022. It was a challenge, but I feel very proud to have supported this group of apprentices and develop safe electrical engineers to help keep the lights on.
“As demand for electricity increases for green pieces of equipment such as electric vehicles and heat pumps, it is important that UK Power Networks has a fleet of engineers prepared to manage teams which can take us to Net Zero. With this programme we are doing just that, and will continue to do so in the years ahead.”
Phil Beach, chief executive of Energy & Utility skills, said: “It’s fantastic to see UK Power Networks and UK Power Networks Services graduates completing their Higher Apprenticeships.
“Upskilling through these apprenticeships is a critical component of our drive to net zero, ensuring that the UK has the skilled and sustainable workforce it needs. Equally importantly, apprenticeships are a great way to offer career progression, creating a ladder of opportunity for individuals to enjoy a fulfilling career in an industry with real purpose.”
Published: 03/10/23
Fifteen employees at UK Power Networks and UK Power Networks Services have graduated from a two-year Higher Apprentices Level 4 Engineering Development Programme which places them in line for managerial roles across the company.
All the higher apprentices gained Higher National Certificate (HNC) either before or during their apprenticeship. Prior to graduation the higher apprentices have been working in electrical engineering apprentice roles, including rotations in different functions across UK Power Networks to learn the knowledge, skills and behaviours required for an engineering role.
This is the firm’s second cohort of higher apprentices to go through the specialist programme, following the first group in 2019.
Lewis Manley, field engineer in Maidstone, was previously electrical fitter and now manages the work of the fitters throughout the Kent region. He said: “I have completed 20 years of education throughout my life through school, university, college and apprenticeships. I’m very pleased with how things turned out. It means I have now been released into the real world of electrical engineering!
“I am most grateful for the job security we have at UK Power Networks. I have completed 14 years here and I’m looking forward to spending at least another 14! The security allows me to plan five, 10 and even 15 years ahead for ideas or targets both inside and outside work."
Chris Thorman was also previously a fitter but now works as a field engineer in Bedford. He said: “It feels great to have finished the course. Between the apprenticeship, doing a Higher National Certificate, day to day work, COVID-19, and becoming a first-time dad, it has been a hectic couple of years.
“The course was tougher than I expected but the rewards have matched the hard work. I have developed both professionally and personally and really enjoyed doing so.”
James Bovill, HA protection and commissioning engineer, is just the second person to go through the Electrical Power Protection and Plant Commissioning Engineer (EPPPCE) at UK Power Networks. He said: “It feels great to have finally finished the EPPPCE Level 4 apprenticeship! The scheme has challenged me and my way thinking throughout, testing, and stretching both my knowledge and skill base.
“One of the best things about working here is you have got to say firstly the people. We truly have some great people working at UK Power Networks, and some great role models to look up to and follow. The only person that is stopping you from achieving anything is you!”
Lee Perkins, engineering trainees team leader at UK Power Networks, said: “I took over mentoring and supporting of the programme in March 2022. It was a challenge, but I feel very proud to have supported this group of apprentices and develop safe electrical engineers to help keep the lights on.
“As demand for electricity increases for green pieces of equipment such as electric vehicles and heat pumps, it is important that UK Power Networks has a fleet of engineers prepared to manage teams which can take us to Net Zero. With this programme we are doing just that, and will continue to do so in the years ahead.”
Phil Beach, chief executive of Energy & Utility skills, said: “It’s fantastic to see UK Power Networks and UK Power Networks Services graduates completing their Higher Apprenticeships.
“Upskilling through these apprenticeships is a critical component of our drive to net zero, ensuring that the UK has the skilled and sustainable workforce it needs. Equally importantly, apprenticeships are a great way to offer career progression, creating a ladder of opportunity for individuals to enjoy a fulfilling career in an industry with real purpose.”
Published: 03/10/23