In 2025 Energy UK showcased a range of apprentices as they took their first steps into the energy industry. One year on, we caught up with the same people to find out how their apprenticeship has helped to progress their new careers.
A year has passed since you last updated us on your apprenticeship, what are you doing now?
Having come off the Electrical Power Network Engineer Apprenticeship scheme I am now working as an Optimisation Planner at National Grid. Through this role I have been involved in large scale projects to reinforce the network, enhance power resilience and increase power capacity and flow into London.
With my experience I have also become a Business Coordinator to the new intake of apprentices to teach them everything I know and guide them through their apprenticeship journey.
I still try and volunteer whenever I can by going to schools, colleges and university to promote apprenticeships to young people, especially Asian women as apprenticeships in this industry can be the start of a fantastic, lifelong career. As part of the Wellbeing and Inclusion Network I’ve also hosted two undergraduate students for a six-week placement within my business sector.
How has your apprenticeship contributed to your success?
I developed so many skills throughout the apprenticeship like collaboration, problem solving, time management, all of which have been essential for me to succeed in my new post.
I have been nominated by National Grid for various apprenticeship awards, including being named a finalist for Engineering Apprentice of the Year at the Multicultural Apprenticeship Awards and have won both the Power Industry Apprentice of the Year and the Helen Hawkins Award from Energy and Utility Skills.
I developed so many skills throughout the apprenticeship like collaboration, problem solving, time management, all of which have been essential for me to succeed.
What advice would you give to those considering an apprenticeship in energy?
Apprenticeships are a fantastic pathway for anyone at any age who want to learn something new and start your career. Leaving my previous role as a physics teacher was a tough decision but I am incredibly happy and grateful in the position I am in now.
For anyone considering apprenticeships I highly recommend going to careers fairs to speak to past apprentices about their experience or reaching out to people on LinkedIn.
February 2025
What is your apprenticeship?
Electrical Power Network Engineer (EPNE) – Planning Pathway at National Grid.
What’s good about being an apprentice?
There’s a vast number of people who are part of your support network, including your apprenticeship cohort, the apprenticeship team, the team you’ll work with and then other groups of people, too. If I ever feel stuck or unsure of something, I know many people I can turn to for help – which is great. The other thing I’ve enjoyed is the pace of learning and the effort the experienced team make to make sure you learn well.
Why did you choose this career path?
I have a degree in Nuclear Science and Materials and went on to become a physics teacher. I already knew a lot about National Grid and the energy sector but learnt a lot more in my role as a teacher. The more I spoke about the energy sector, the more I didn’t want to just teach it – I wanted to be part of it.
I chose an apprenticeship because I wanted to learn about the industry through a structured programme before kick-starting my new career. I wanted to build my academic knowledge about the industry but also learn how to be successful in the role before I move into a permanent position in planning.
I’ve enjoyed every second and I feel well-prepared to take on the full responsibilities of the role once I complete the programme.
What does your day to day look like?
As a Planning Apprentice, a lot of my day to day includes having meetings with key stakeholders like Operations Managers, National Energy System Operator and Project Managers. When I’m not in meetings, I use different systems to validate planning data and make any changes required, such as outage start dates.
What skills are the most important?
There are many, but I’d say the top three are problem solving, collaboration and data analytics.
What do you want to do with your career?
I want to climb to senior roles within the business. I’ve been really lucky to have had the opportunity of meetings with both the CEO of National Grid and the President of Electricity Transmission. They’ve inspired me to believe that I can achieve great things if I continue to be enthusiastic, think of new better ways of working, and work well with other departments. Even though I’m currently in planning, I’d love to be able to move around in the business and learn as much as I can from others.
What do your friends say about your job?
I talk about my experience as an apprentice all the time with my friends and family. They’re amazed that I get all this experience, knowledge and skills all while being paid a great salary – and I get an academic qualification, too! I’ve enjoyed my apprenticeship because I feel I really connect with National Grid’s company values and ethos, and feel really in my space here.
Anything else you’d like to add?
My time on the apprenticeship has flown by! I’ve enjoyed every second of it and I feel well-prepared to take on the full responsibilities of the role once I complete the programme.
Energy UK will continue to shine a light on apprenticeships as one of the most powerful tools for building a skilled, diverse and motivated energy workforce. You can find more examples of successful apprentices via our Jobs In Energy resource, which also demonstrates the benefits of working in the sector, lists apprenticeships offered by Energy UK members, and links to other useful sites where you can find open apprenticeship schemes.
We also publish case study collections demonstrating how apprenticeships are driving the energy transition and ways that Energy UK members are building the workforce for our future energy system. If you have a case study showcasing innovative work within the sector, please get in touch via press@energy-uk.org.uk.
Interested in starting a career in energy?
For the country to reach Net Zero, the energy industry will need all the people it can get – from all kinds of backgrounds, with a diverse range of skills.
A job in energy could mean anything from a nuclear engineering apprenticeship, to working in customer service for a retail energy company, or a role at a tech startup – so you might not know where to start.
The Young Energy Professionals (YEP) Forum has created this guide to help you find the right route into a job in energy.
