Sevenoaks MP Laura Trott MBE met apprentices training to keep power supplies flowing and support their local communities net zero carbon goals.
Electricity distributor UK Power Networks has a specialist network training centre at Sundridge where trainees from the South East, London and East of England learn to maintain safe and reliable electricity supplies for a network which delivers power to 19 million people.
The company has 67 craft and higher apprentices training as cable jointers, linesmen and women, substation fitters and electrical engineers – essential skills to maintain and upgrade the network as more Electric Vehicles and heat pumps connect to the grid.
Ms Trott toured facilities where trainees practice their skills on substations, power lines and underground cables under the expert eye of their instructors. As well as being shown round the facility, the MP discussed with apprentices the work they will be doing in the future to repair cables after power cuts, connect new homes, businesses and low carbon technologies and upgrade supplies.
Keeping safety front of mind is a top priority throughout apprentices three-year training, as the company focuses on maintaining high safety standards. All craft apprentices complete the Duke of Edinburgh’s Gold Award to build the teamwork they will need in their new career and new recruits are coached in delivering excellent customer service.
Ms Trott said: “It was fantastic to meet the local apprentices and talk to the next generation of electrical engineers who will be helping deliver Net Zero carbon emissions.
“I am so pleased the company’s regional technical training centre is based here in Sevenoaks and Swanley. It not only helps keep the power flowing to local homes and businesses - but is also providing local green skills and jobs needed for a zero carbon future right here on our doorstep.”
Andrew Pace, director of HR at UK Power Networks, said: “Our apprentices are preparing to play really important roles in the future of their local communities, where they will maintain and upgrade networks which keep power supplies flowing to everything from homes and businesses to schools and hospitals.
“We are investing in the next generation of highly-skilled craftspeople and engineers who will maintain a smarter, more flexible network keeping supplies reliable for the millions of homes and businesses which depend on it and support the net zero carbon transition.”
