Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) has attended a careers evening to showcase its apprenticeship scheme to students and parents keen to learn more about a wide and varied career in the world of electricity distribution.
The careers event, hosted by The Petersfield School, saw employers, colleges and universities from around the local area promote the opportunities available and answer any queries that the young adults and their parents may have.
SSEN's three-year 'Power Networks Craft person Apprenticeship' scheme provides training both in the classroom and out in the field and, after an initial induction period, the apprentices go on to specialise in either overhead line, underground cable or substation fitting work.
Speaking afterwards, Jon Ivey, SSEN's Regional Supply Restoration Manager, was impressed by the turn-out and the range of questions he and the team were asked. "With 50% of this sector's workforce due to leave or retire by 2023, it is vital that we continue to attract new colleagues. This event has been a great opportunity for my colleagues and I, who all work in the local area, to meet with students and parents, answer their questions and let them know about the apprenticeships on offer at our Petersfield and Portsmouth depots."
Karen Heath, Vocational Education and Careers Co-Ordinator at Petersfield School, was delighted with the success of the event, and said, "We encourage our students to start thinking about their career aspirations by exploring the industries and businesses available both in our local area and further afield. We want to give them as many chances as possible to explore their skill sets and ambitions with opportunities that exist today and may open up in their future. We are incredibly proud to be working alongside organisations like SSEN."
SSEN is part of the SSE Group and since 2007 more than 1,100 apprentices and TSTs have been hired by SSE - a total training investment of £88m or £80,000 per recruit. SSE offers apprenticeship programmes lasting three to four years in nine different areas. SSE trainees help maintain over 200,000 km of SSE's power lines across its distribution and transmission networks and its power stations, wind farms and hydro projects as well as carrying out commercial or domestic work. It puts trainees through foundation degrees as well as giving them work experience across the business. Graduates then join a two-year rotational programme to develop their skills and experience. If you know of a friend or member of your family who may be interested in a career with SSEN, please refer them to www.ssen.co.uk/careers to learn more about our apprenticeship and training programmes.