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?
I’m based in Newcastle, where my team helps keep energy flowing safely and reliably across the Northwest. Every day is different, but I’m always learning. Most of my work involves maintaining and upgrading equipment in our substations, making sure it’s ready to support the cleaner, more connected energy system we’re building for the future.
I’ve also had the chance to volunteer on projects that genuinely make a difference. One example was supporting a community initiative linked to a new site in Carlisle, where we provided funding and new technology for a local school. Being part of a business that prioritises social impact and community partnerships has been a meaningful part of my experience.
How has your apprenticeship contributed to your success?
One of the biggest parts of my development has been gaining my authorisations. Each one involves an interview, which has pushed me to build my confidence and professional communication skills. When I started, these interviews felt daunting, but now I see them as opportunities to grow. They’ve helped me become a more capable, self‑assured engineer, and National Grid has supported me at every step.
Every day is different, but I’m always learning.
The highlight of my apprenticeship so far has been becoming authorised to act as a Person in Charge on site. It’s a milestone that shows the trust the business places in apprentices as we develop. Having the responsibility to plan work, carry out switching and isolations, and guide a job from start to finish has accelerated my learning enormously. It feels great to put the theory into practice and contribute directly to the wider team and our purpose.
What would you say to a young person considering an apprenticeship in energy?
I would tell them to choose a place that challenges them to be their best. When I was in sixth form, I applied for a range of engineering apprenticeships, but National Grid stood out immediately. The recruitment process was supportive, transparent and welcoming. The facilities were excellent, and it was clear from the start that the company invests in people and wants them to progress.
February 2025
What is the name of your apprenticeship?
Substation Higher Apprenticeship at National Grid.
What’s good about being an apprentice/ why did you choose an apprenticeship over uni?
An apprenticeship was my first choice over going to university. I love practical hands-on learning, seeing how things work in real-life, not just in theory or via a textbook. I knew university and full-time education wasn’t the right path for me and wanted to train in a sector that interests me. Getting paid to learn is a bonus.
Apprenticeships get you straight into an industry so you can start building experience from day one.
What does your day to day look like?
Every day is different. We get a schedule at the beginning of the year that tells us where we need to be and when, which helps with planning. My time is split between the National Grid training centre in Eakring and Loughborough University for the more formal classroom learning. I’m also getting some hands-on experience with the Northeast Borders team, which is right near where I grew up. It’s great to put my new skills to the test in the real world and learn from the pros.
What skills are the most important?
I think it’s a balance. What you learn in the classroom is a foundation for what’s needed in the field, but there’s so much more you can gain from an apprenticeship – real-world skills. Good communication skills and teamwork are important, but problem-solving and technical skills are vital too as you can get unexpected challenges in the field.
What do you want to do with your career?
The energy sector is growing which means there are so many potential opportunities, right now and in the future. For me, once I’ve completed my apprenticeship, I want to complete my additional National Grid authorisations to become a project lead and Senior Authorised Person. Once completed, that will help me contribute more to my team and continue learning. After that – wherever my career takes me, really.
Would you recommend it to your friends?
Absolutely. Apprenticeships get you straight into an industry so you can start building experience from day one. They put you one step ahead of friends who’ve taken a further education route. You get qualifications paid for, rather than racking up student debt and you earn money while you train. It’s a win-win.
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.
