[F]uture engineers from across Cumbria have started a bright career with the region’s power network operator Electricity North West.
The eight new starters from Kendal and Carlisle will join 11 other apprentices to embark on a four-year apprenticeship scheme, which will see them train to work on the region’s local electricity network.
Now in its tenth year the apprenticeship scheme provides opportunities for local people to develop a career and go on to help maintain, develop and grow the electricity network that supplies five million people across the North West for years to come.
The new higher level apprentices join 12 craft apprentices which joined back in May this year, bringing the total number of apprentices taken on by Electricity North West to more than 200 in the past 10 years.
Peter Emery, CEO for Electricity North West, said: “Our apprenticeship scheme is vitally important as the next generation of young people will bring innovative ideas and new skills with them which are invaluable.
“We are looking for the leaders of tomorrow and the technical specialists for tomorrow and it takes a long time to get those skills which is why the apprenticeship scheme is a fundamental building block for our organisation.
“It’s an exciting time and the energy industry needs new apprentices and their innovative ideas as the way we generate, distribute and use energy is changing more rapidly than ever before. It’s exciting for the apprentices and it’s also extremely exciting for us as an organisation.”
New apprentice Ellie Chandler, 18, from Kendal, said: “I decided to become an apprentice because I prefer to work hands-on and I can learn much faster than in a classroom. I’m interested in how things work which is why I want to be an engineer and I’m looking forward to all the opportunities on offer.”
New apprentice Oliver Tonge, 20, from Carlisle, said: “I was at university and I decided it wasn’t for me. The apprenticeship gives a great insight into the energy industry and it will give me valuable skills and experience with a highly respected company with great opportunities.”
