18 Oct Chelmsford apprentices launch careers in power
Chelmsford apprentices have started careers in the electricity industry with UK Power Networks.
Alex Hyde, who is 22, and Archie Tilson, who is 18, will be trained in traditional skills that maintain, repair and build electricity networks which help deliver power to 8.3 million homes and businesses across the East of England, London and the South East to ensure safe and reliable power supplies.
They are among 21 apprentices starting this year who will also play a key role in the UK’s transition to Net Zero, as the company helps to enable low carbon technologies for local communities, including electric transport and heating.
All the trainees will spend three years completing the foundation apprenticeship specialising in one of three traditional crafts as electrical linespeople, fitters (like Alex and Archie) or jointers learning how to safely repair, maintain and connect overhead lines, substations or underground cables.
Alex is a former student of Chelmer Valley High School. He studied music at The Academy of Contemporary Music in Birmingham and was trying to break into the dance music industry when Covid started, prompting a career change. He is now following in the footsteps of his dad, Nick Hyde, a capital programme operations manager in the business.
Alex said: “I will be maintaining and installing equipment in substations when I’m qualified. When my dad was on call I remember the candles coming out during power cuts. There would be anxiety about when the lights would come on. My dad would go out and get lights on, which is quite inspiring and that’s one of the main reasons I wanted to apply for this role. I didn’t fully understand what my dad did, but even after a brief induction I’m starting to get to grips with it all.”
Alex wants to qualify and perfect his skills as an electrical fitter before progressing onto an advanced apprenticeship, the Engineering Development Programme, to become an engineer.
Before joining UK Power Networks Services, Archie studied maths, physics and design technology at sixth form. He found out about the apprenticeship while searching for opportunities online.
Archie said: “I’ve always had an interest in electricity, even if I didn’t fully understand it. That’s why I’m excited to join UK Power Networks Services and do my three-year course training to be a fitter at Stansted Airport. An apprenticeship like this guarantees good job security and provides you with the opportunity to earn while you learn.”
Charlie Aston, engineering trainee manager at UK Power Networks, said: “This is a time of great change in the electricity industry and the apprentices will learn to play a key role in maintaining reliable electricity supplies. The future is bright for these new recruits and if they perform well, they can look forward to a secure future and excellent working conditions.
“Once they are fully trained, they will keep power flowing to our communities, provide new connections, upgrade electricity substations and carry out essential electrical maintenance. We refer to them ‘keeping the lights on’, but these trainees will do much more than that as our essential networks power heating, lighting, the internet and Electric Vehicles.”
The first five months of their training is at Bridgwater and Taunton College in Somerset where they will complete a City and Guilds qualification in Electrical Power Engineering. This is the technical qualification required to achieve the Level 3 Power Networks Craftsperson Apprenticeship. The practical element of the apprenticeship will be completed at the company’s dedicated training centres in Suffolk and Kent coupled with on-the-job training with experienced field staff, putting new skills into practice under personal supervision.
Alex and Archie will complete the Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award as part of their training, fostering a spirit of teamwork and resilience. Since 2016 all foundation apprentices who join UK Power Networks have taken part in the programme.
