Five new Suffolk recruits, from Bury St Edmunds and Haverhill, are supercharging their careers on a UK Power Networks’ apprenticeship
A tree top adventure instructor and a teacher are among five new Suffolk recruits switching to new roles with Britain’s biggest electricity distribution network operator.
They have joined the 86 apprentices already training in specialist skills as cable jointers, substation fitters and overhead linespeople on Power Networks Craftsperson (Level 3) Apprenticeships at UK Power Networks’ four specialist training centres.
In the next two years they will learn highly-skilled trades which keep power supplies safe and reliable for approximately 20-million people across London, the South East and East of England.
Tree top adventure instructor, Samuel Ferguson, 20, from Bury St Edmunds, will be training as an overhead linesperson in Waterbeach, Cambridge.
The former County High School pupil said he felt ‘happy, amazed and surprised’ to get the job.
He said: “I previously worked as an instructor on the overhead line course at Center Parcs, so I’m familiar with working at height. I’ve done tree surgery, which again involved climbing, but it feels special to get this job. I love working at height. You always have to be careful and keep your wits about you, but it can be very peaceful.
“I will be learning to fix, maintain and replace parts of the overhead electricity network, basically keeping the overhead lines, pylons, poles and network running and maintained. Without them, people would go without power in areas where power gets to homes and businesses through overhead cables. It’s a critical role to keep them maintained.
“I will feel proud to be able to help the community and make sure the electricity network runs smoothly. It’s a lot of responsibility,” he said, “The job could lead anywhere. I’m eager to get started as a linesperson and see where it takes me.”
Telecommunications engineer, James Flynn, 25, from Bury St Edmunds, is training as a cable jointer in his home town.
James said: “I will be learning to repair and install underground electricity cables to keep the lights on for everybody, so they can run their businesses or enjoy their leisure time.
“There is a lot of responsibility in this role that people might not realise. We are an essential service, it’s a vital role and I’m happy to take on that responsibility and serve the community. Ask me again when I’m in a trench and it’s pouring with rain, but I’ve always liked working outdoors and getting stuck in!
“We think of police, fire, hospital workers as the visible heroes. We are the unsung ones in a way. You flick a switch and electricity is there. People don’t realise what’s under their feet and over their heads. You can spend a whole lifetime not paying any attention to that stuff. It’s only when the power goes off you realise these roles are essential.
“Over the next couple of years, I want to build a solid foundation, hone my understanding of my craft, get to know everyone in my area and make a good name for myself.”
Katie Grimwood, 36, from Bury St Edmunds, is going to train as an overhead linesperson at the company’s depot in Risby.
Transitioning from a previous career in teaching and child psychology, outdoors-loving Katie is excited to work on overhead powerlines to maintain and restore power to local communities.
Katie said: “My background is completely different. I was a teacher briefly, but I have always worked with children or adolescents in various helping roles, mental health, or disability services, and always wanted to help people.
“I’m looking forward to beginning my career at UK Power Networks: I’m passionate about working outdoors and working in the local area. My step-dad was a linesperson, as is my partner, and they know I will enjoy the role!
“I will absolutely enjoy restoring power to the local community. It is one of the things that drew me to the profession. It's really important to me that the work I undertake has value, which includes working in storms and making sure that we keep the lights on.”
Robert Smailes, 28, from Bury St Edmunds, will be learning jointing in his home town.
Robert started his career as an aircraft engineer in the RAF before joining the water industry. Now, he will be fixing underground cables for the local community.
He said: “My previous careers meant a lot more travel, and I wanted to go somewhere closer to home. That was a real draw for me.
“I'm definitely looking forward to the teammate element of my career here and working in the home area. The satisfaction of keeping the lights on in the local area, where all of my family lives.
“Everyone here has been really brilliant. It's better than I expected. It's a culture shock for me. In the military, people are a lot more blunt and to the point. More regimented. UK Power Networks is warmer. It's motivating for me because it means I can't wait to get started!”
Daniel Callow, 30, from Haverhill, will learn to become a jointer in Cambridge.
First starting his career as a postman, Daniel then went onto overhead wiring in telecommunications, and will now get to ground-level, working on repairing underground cables for the local community.
He said: “I can't believe I got the job, still now! I came out of the assessment centre not thinking I got the job, but got a call back for the in-person interview, and that I feel I'm much better at. So, I was able to show the person I am, and luckily I got the job.
“UK Power Networks has a lot of job stability. My wife is pregnant, and she is due end of September. Bringing up a family means I will need that stability and career path. I chose UK Power Networks, and only would have moved for this company, as it's a great place to work. The more research I did on the company, the more excited I grew about the prospect of a job here.
“I have big bold plans for the future, shoot for the stars and you'll land on the moon! Once I've become more established in my role, I can work my way up and add qualifications. That's the route I want to go down; maybe even a degree. Life is a path of continuous learning!”
Charlie Aston, engineering trainee manager at UK Power Networks, said: “We are investing £6 million this year training new craft apprentices in skilled trades to safely maintain, connect and upgrade electricity networks.
“This investment supports an outstanding pipeline of talent to maintain excellent performance for our customers. Successfully completing the apprenticeship opens doors to skilled lifelong careers and an abundance of development opportunities.
“We do our utmost to make UK Power Networks’ apprenticeship programme a great place to learn, keeping our apprentices’ welfare at the heart of our training approach.”
UK Power Networks recruited 54 new apprentices last year and plans to recruit a similar number this year.
There were 878 applications for the latest 26 posts, showing strong demand for the experienced apprenticeship.
Last year 100 per cent of the company’s apprentices completed their training and all who qualify gain employment with the company.
