UK Power Networks apprentices go for gold at Buckingham Palace
Hard work and volunteering paid off for apprentices from UK Power Networks when they collected their Duke of Edinburgh Gold Awards from Buckingham Palace.
The cohort of 14 apprentices earned the prestigious award over the course of 2023 and 2024 while working at the UK’s largest distribution network operator.
The apprentices are completing the Power Networks Crafts Person Foundation (Level 3) qualification, which they all started in September 2021 and they took part in the extracurricular programme alongside their work.
The DofE Gold Award consists of five activities that participants have to complete to qualify:
- Volunteering
- Physical
- Skills
- Expedition
- Residential
The apprentices from UK Power Networks did 12 months of volunteering for local charities, 18 months of physical activities, their residential activity saw them spend 15 weeks at Bridgewater College.
Their skills activity was learning the trade and the final task was a three-part adventure where the apprentices took on a training, qualifier and final expedition in the Peak District and Mount Snowdon in Wales that saw them battle horrendous weather including snow and rain.
Lee Woods, engineering trainees team leader said: “The apprentices excelled in achieving their Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award, showcasing remarkable dedication and resilience throughout the program in some very challenging conditions.
“Our apprenticeship management team supported them all, providing resources and mentorship that were crucial in navigating the challenges of the award.
“This achievement not only enhances their personal growth but also bolsters their professional prospects within UK Power Networks, equipping them with essential skills such as leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving that are invaluable in any career path.”
Apprentice Joseph Davey said: “I am really proud of completing the Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award. It has made me more resilient to overcome challenges outside of my comfort zone.
“The most challenging part was the expedition walking over 65 miles in five days and being out in all different conditions. Now I have completed I am happy to have taken part and to have my DofE Gold Award.”
Published: 15/05/24
The cohort of 14 apprentices earned the prestigious award over the course of 2023 and 2024 while working at the UK’s largest distribution network operator.
The apprentices are completing the Power Networks Crafts Person Foundation (Level 3) qualification, which they all started in September 2021 and they took part in the extracurricular programme alongside their work.
The DofE Gold Award consists of five activities that participants have to complete to qualify:
- Volunteering
- Physical
- Skills
- Expedition
- Residential
The apprentices from UK Power Networks did 12 months of volunteering for local charities, 18 months of physical activities, their residential activity saw them spend 15 weeks at Bridgewater College.
Their skills activity was learning the trade and the final task was a three-part adventure where the apprentices took on a training, qualifier and final expedition in the Peak District and Mount Snowdon in Wales that saw them battle horrendous weather including snow and rain.
Lee Woods, engineering trainees team leader said: “The apprentices excelled in achieving their Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award, showcasing remarkable dedication and resilience throughout the program in some very challenging conditions.
“Our apprenticeship management team supported them all, providing resources and mentorship that were crucial in navigating the challenges of the award.
“This achievement not only enhances their personal growth but also bolsters their professional prospects within UK Power Networks, equipping them with essential skills such as leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving that are invaluable in any career path.”
Apprentice Joseph Davey said: “I am really proud of completing the Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award. It has made me more resilient to overcome challenges outside of my comfort zone.
“The most challenging part was the expedition walking over 65 miles in five days and being out in all different conditions. Now I have completed I am happy to have taken part and to have my DofE Gold Award.”
Published: 15/05/24