The 17 new recruits joined the region’s power network operator in September and will be in training for the next three years. The new apprentices will be based at Electricity North West’s state-of-the-art Training Academy as well as various depots throughout the North West.
The apprentices were chosen out of more than a thousand applicants and will learn to become project co-ordinators, operational engineers, control engineers, design engineers, jointers or overhead line workers.
Last month, Electricity North West’s apprenticeship programme scooped the award for ‘Best Learning and Development Initiative’ at the People in Power Awards, organised by the National Skills Academy for Power.
The award celebrates initiatives that have significantly benefited the learning and development of a workforce.
Peter Emery, chief executive at Electricity North West, said: “The apprenticeship scheme at Electricity North West is continuing to grow each year.
“There were a record number of applicants and it is a real delight to welcome everybody to the team. Already we’ve had teambuilding trips and various induction days which have been a real success.
“It’s a fantastically exciting time for these new recruits to join us in the year that we launched our ambitious £63.5m ‘Leading the North West to zero carbon’ plan. The pace of change in the industry is phenomenal and our reputation for innovation makes us a very attractive place to train and work.
“Apprentices make a huge contribution to Electricity North West, they help maintain, develop and grow the network and we’re delighted to have them on board.”
Since the scheme launched in 2007, more than 200 apprentices have been trained and developed.
Abbie Delvard, who recently became a fully qualified cable jointer after completing an apprenticeship, added: “I would recommend an Electricity North West apprenticeship to anybody.
“There is plenty of support available and what I like the most is that the course is very hands on. Each day you learn and have opportunities to use various skills.
“It was a great experience and one that I thoroughly enjoyed.”
The search for the next batch of apprentices will start early next year, to find out more, please visit www.enwl.co.uk.
