The 12 new starters have embarked on a four-year apprenticeship scheme, which will see them train to work on the region’s local electricity network from urban Manchester to rural Cumbria.

Now in its tenth year the apprenticeship scheme, which has welcomed almost 200 apprentices, 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 region for years to come.

Successful completion of the training will lead to jobs looking after underground cables and substations working to maintain and repair the electricity network.

Peter Emery, CEO for Electricity North West, said: “We’re proud that it’s our network that powers the success of the whole region, from the office blocks of Manchester to the farms and village tea rooms of Cumbria, delivering an essential service for five million people.

“We have a responsibility to the communities that we serve and we feel we can better fulfil that responsibility by employing local people and creating opportunities for the next generation.

“That’s why we’re delighted to welcome our 12 new apprentices from across the North West to help us deliver an excellent, affordable and safe service to our customers.”

New apprentice Macauley Musgrave, 21, from Maryport in Cumbria, said: “I wanted to join a career ladder opposed to working in a job I didn’t enjoy and Electricity North West provide apprentices with an opportunity to climb the ladder.

“I’m looking forward to learning new skills and I hope to be the best I can be and go above and beyond the company’s and my own personal expectations.”

To discover more about the scheme and to meet our new apprentices watch our video here.

If you live in Carlisle or surrounding areas we have an opportunity to join Electricity North West as a higher level apprentice. To find out more and apply click here.