Military veterans will be retrained as frontline energy heroes as ScottishPower launches a new scheme to help ex-servicemen and women move into long-term careers in the energy sector.

Its inaugural EMPower Network Programme will see former veterans undertake 12-months of formal training, accredited qualifications, rotational placements, and mentoring from experienced professionals.

Participants will gain hands-on experience across the business, developing the technical and leadership skills needed to thrive in one of the UK’s most critical industries.

ScottishPower is recruiting at a record rate as it builds its workforce to deliver the biggest rewiring Britain has seen. It will create 300 jobs by the end of the year alone and create another 2,000 jobs by 2027.

Research shows that over 80% of former military personnel believe their skills are transferable to civilian roles, yet many report struggling to find long-term employment or to maintain confidence in their capabilities. 

EMPower aims to bridge this gap by giving veterans the tools, knowledge and confidence to take on roles in one of the UK’s most critical industries. With the energy sector undergoing rapid transformation to meet electrification, the initiative is a key step in future-proofing the grid and building a more diverse, resilient workforce.

Ex-serviceman, Barry McIntosh, said, "I'm excited to begin this new chapter with the EMPower Network Programme. Joining SP Energy Networks means more than a job - it means being part of something that powers communities and drives our green future forward.

"The same commitment, teamwork and resilience I learned in the forces will now help me support Scotland's energy transition and build something lasting. This isn't just a change of uniform - it's a new purpose, a new mission, and I'm ready for it."

Nicola Connelly, CEO of SP Energy Networks, said, “We’re proud to welcome the first cohort of veterans to the EMPower Network Programme. This is a significant moment - not just for those starting their journey with us, but for the energy sector as a whole.
“Veterans bring resilience, adaptability and leadership, and the EMPower Network Programme is about recognising that value and giving them the opportunity to build meaningful careers while helping us deliver the infrastructure Britain needs.”

EMPower joins a suite of pre-employment programmes offered by ScottishPower, including initiatives for young people, career returners, and graduates. Together, these programmes form a cornerstone of the company’s approach to inclusive recruitment and long-term talent development. Earlier this year ScottishPower offered a jobs lifeline to workers made redundant from Grangemouth Refinery with some ex-employees taking up roles at the energy firm.

Minister for Veterans and People, Louise Sandher-Jones, said, "The EMPower Network Programme provides a clear pathway for veterans to transition these skills into meaningful careers in one of our most critical industries - helping them to maximise their potential whilst contributing to our Plan for Change to make Britain a clean energy superpower.

“Programmes like this and the government-funded Career Transition Partnership and Op ASCEND employment support service will help ensure no veteran falls through the cracks, and that the energy sector benefits from the outstanding talent our Armed Forces community has to offer."

The launch of the EMPower Network Programme marks a major milestone in ScottishPower’s broader strategy to invest in people and skills as the energy system undergoes its most significant transformation in decades. With electricity demand rising and the shift to clean energy accelerating, the company is focused on building a diverse, agile and future-ready workforce.

Veterans joining EMPower will be based across Central and Southern Scotland, North West England, and Mid/North Wales, with roles tailored to their aspirations and strengths.

Minister for Industry Chris McDonald said, “Having employed veterans myself, I know that they already have the expertise to take advantage of the thousands of well-paid clean energy jobs that are being created across the country by our clean energy superpower mission - including upgrading Britain's electricity grid."

For more information on ScottishPower's EMPower Network Programme, visit: EMPower Network Programme – Energy Networks - ScottishPower