Training triumph at Learning Excellence Awards
A training programme that broadens access to electricity jobs and supports Britain’s power needs triumphed at the Learning Excellence Awards.
UK Power Networks was recognised for its outstanding contribution to technical training development through the Craft Attendant Programme, which received the Merit award in the Technical or Engineering Training category in London.
Craft attendants support expert teams which maintain the network delivering power to nearly 20 million people across London, the South East and East of England. They undergo theory, safety, and practical training, complete assessments and a trade test, and qualify to work under supervision on the electricity network.
The entry-level training programme enables talented individuals without formal trade qualifications to progress in the power sector. Their training often leads to further qualifications for skilled roles as cable jointers, overhead linespeople, substation fitters, and further progression beyond these roles as engineers and managers.
Pat Brooks, head of network operations in the East of England, who pioneered the scheme at UK Power Networks, said: “This training programme opens doors for talented individuals who want to progress in our industry, provide great service and contribute to Britain’s energy future. We’re proud of our craft attendants who have proven to be an outstanding addition to our frontline field teams.
“Achieving this recognition highlights the strength of UK Power Networks’ commitment to nurturing technical skills and building a home-grown workforce to maintain reliable power supplies and meet growing demand from low carbon technologies.”
The award reflects UK Power Networks’ ongoing investment in its people, strengthening operational excellence and ensuring a steady supply of skilled professionals ready to meet the evolving demands of Britain’s energy sector.
“The three finalists in the category put forward strong entries, with UK Power Networks taking on the engineering strengths of Volkswagen Group and Bentley Cars with Akkodis” said Helen Warrilow, commercial director for the awards. “We encourage entrants to tell their own stories in their own way and the judges thought highly of the UK Power Networks’ story.”
Published: 05/05/2026
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UK Power Networks was recognised for its outstanding contribution to technical training development through the Craft Attendant Programme, which received the Merit award in the Technical or Engineering Training category in London.
Craft attendants support expert teams which maintain the network delivering power to nearly 20 million people across London, the South East and East of England. They undergo theory, safety, and practical training, complete assessments and a trade test, and qualify to work under supervision on the electricity network.
The entry-level training programme enables talented individuals without formal trade qualifications to progress in the power sector. Their training often leads to further qualifications for skilled roles as cable jointers, overhead linespeople, substation fitters, and further progression beyond these roles as engineers and managers.
Pat Brooks, head of network operations in the East of England, who pioneered the scheme at UK Power Networks, said: “This training programme opens doors for talented individuals who want to progress in our industry, provide great service and contribute to Britain’s energy future. We’re proud of our craft attendants who have proven to be an outstanding addition to our frontline field teams.
“Achieving this recognition highlights the strength of UK Power Networks’ commitment to nurturing technical skills and building a home-grown workforce to maintain reliable power supplies and meet growing demand from low carbon technologies.”
The award reflects UK Power Networks’ ongoing investment in its people, strengthening operational excellence and ensuring a steady supply of skilled professionals ready to meet the evolving demands of Britain’s energy sector.
“The three finalists in the category put forward strong entries, with UK Power Networks taking on the engineering strengths of Volkswagen Group and Bentley Cars with Akkodis” said Helen Warrilow, commercial director for the awards. “We encourage entrants to tell their own stories in their own way and the judges thought highly of the UK Power Networks’ story.”
Published: 05/05/2026
Back to news