Students gain unique experience in powering Net Zero
Enthusiastic students have gained critical Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) experience in the utilities sector following a tailored work experience programme coordinated by UK Power Networks.
The energy company, which distributes power across London, the South East and East of England, designed a fortnight-long Powering Potential programme, for local students coming into the company’s offices across its network.
During the two-week insight, Year 12 students took part in and collaborated on office-wide surveys on working culture and benefits, and presented their valuable insights to UK Power Networks management members at the company’s Southwark-based head office.
As the nation seeks to meet the Net Zero target by 2050, energy companies are striving to attract passionate and talented new professionals to help them play a crucial role. This programme gives students an insight into one of the most important industries in reducing emissions and creating a greener future.
UK Power Networks can offer a unique perspective into its inner workings as the nation’s largest distribution network operator, teaching students the varying responsibilities of energy delivery from major cities like London and Brighton to rural areas. Natasha Paramasamy, STEM outreach and development specialist at UK Power Networks, said: “Our ‘Powering Potential’ programme is important and counts towards our Levelling Up commitments, by offering opportunities and valuable insights to the younger generation.
“We are celebrating all the work that the students have done during their time at UK Power Networks. During their time with us, they have analysed data surrounding engagement between management and field staff – giving them an insight into different types of employment, both out in the field and also in the office.
“The students have been amazing the whole way throughout the programme. They have been very open to learning. We have been teaching them interview, presentation and employability skills. They confidently delivered their analyses of engagement within UK Power Networks, along with innovative solution proposals, to their peers. Their performance has been truly commendable.”
Lola Ewer, 17, from Lewes, East Sussex, said: “We have been looking at communication and engagement between the field engineers, the network operations department, and the senior management teams.
“My favourite part has been working as part of a team. I really enjoyed communicating with other people, and maybe I’d like to try working full-time in an office in the future. I’m interested in people and psychology, so working in the HR department at UK Power Networks could be a future job opportunity for me.
“The main thing I have learnt is that communication is key: being clear, and concise with your communication will help you get where you need to be.”
Helen Spencer is managing director at STEMPOINT, a charity that organises placements and promotes STEM to young people across the East of England.
Helen said: “We are grateful to UK Power Networks for giving students the chance to see what working within this sector is really like.
“This initiative, supported by the Nuffield Foundation and delivered by STEM Learning nationally is aimed at inspiring students that may not otherwise have the opportunity to work at such high-profile companies. It’s great to hear about the achievements of these young people at the start of their career journey.”
UK Power Networks is ranked number one in Europe in the global Smart Grid Index and was also named the top employer in London earlier this year. The company is also rated as a ‘Platinum’ level Investor in People.
Published: 16/08/23
The energy company, which distributes power across London, the South East and East of England, designed a fortnight-long Powering Potential programme, for local students coming into the company’s offices across its network.
During the two-week insight, Year 12 students took part in and collaborated on office-wide surveys on working culture and benefits, and presented their valuable insights to UK Power Networks management members at the company’s Southwark-based head office.
As the nation seeks to meet the Net Zero target by 2050, energy companies are striving to attract passionate and talented new professionals to help them play a crucial role. This programme gives students an insight into one of the most important industries in reducing emissions and creating a greener future.
UK Power Networks can offer a unique perspective into its inner workings as the nation’s largest distribution network operator, teaching students the varying responsibilities of energy delivery from major cities like London and Brighton to rural areas. Natasha Paramasamy, STEM outreach and development specialist at UK Power Networks, said: “Our ‘Powering Potential’ programme is important and counts towards our Levelling Up commitments, by offering opportunities and valuable insights to the younger generation.
“We are celebrating all the work that the students have done during their time at UK Power Networks. During their time with us, they have analysed data surrounding engagement between management and field staff – giving them an insight into different types of employment, both out in the field and also in the office.
“The students have been amazing the whole way throughout the programme. They have been very open to learning. We have been teaching them interview, presentation and employability skills. They confidently delivered their analyses of engagement within UK Power Networks, along with innovative solution proposals, to their peers. Their performance has been truly commendable.”
Lola Ewer, 17, from Lewes, East Sussex, said: “We have been looking at communication and engagement between the field engineers, the network operations department, and the senior management teams.
“My favourite part has been working as part of a team. I really enjoyed communicating with other people, and maybe I’d like to try working full-time in an office in the future. I’m interested in people and psychology, so working in the HR department at UK Power Networks could be a future job opportunity for me.
“The main thing I have learnt is that communication is key: being clear, and concise with your communication will help you get where you need to be.”
Helen Spencer is managing director at STEMPOINT, a charity that organises placements and promotes STEM to young people across the East of England.
Helen said: “We are grateful to UK Power Networks for giving students the chance to see what working within this sector is really like.
“This initiative, supported by the Nuffield Foundation and delivered by STEM Learning nationally is aimed at inspiring students that may not otherwise have the opportunity to work at such high-profile companies. It’s great to hear about the achievements of these young people at the start of their career journey.”
UK Power Networks is ranked number one in Europe in the global Smart Grid Index and was also named the top employer in London earlier this year. The company is also rated as a ‘Platinum’ level Investor in People.
Published: 16/08/23