ScottishPower has received 1,000 applications in one week for 25 apprenticeship roles that it recently announced in its Energy Networks business. The company has been overwhelmed by the interest that has been shown in pursuing a career in the energy industry.
In total, the energy company recently announced that it was creating 300 engineering and technical roles, including full-time positions in System Design, HVDC development and engineers to manage the Transmission and Distribution Networks. The focus was to increase the number of young people within the company, with the creation of around 100 Graduate & Apprentice roles over the next two years.
Although the company is still actively seeking graduates and qualified engineers, applications for the apprenticeship programme in Scotland will be closing today (9th March). Applications are still being accepted for Apprenticeships in England & Wales.
Frank Mitchell, CEO of ScottishPower Energy Networks, said: “We have received unprecedented volumes of quality applications for the programme, which is very encouraging. It is clear from the response we have had that demand for this type of programme is higher than ever. We had real concerns that younger generations were not interested in this type of career anymore and are heartened by the level of response.
“We will be considering all the applications we have received and look forward to helping the development of the engineers of tomorrow. We would encourage anyone who has not been successful to consider applying for our Engineering Foundation Programme, which aims to offer a potential route into an engineering apprenticeship through combining vocational studies with industry experience and leads to a level 2 Electrical Engineering qualification. Many of our former Engineering Foundation students have secured Apprenticeships with us or with one of our supply chain partners.
“The recruitment drive to bring in qualified engineers and graduates continues. We need people to begin working on some of our major projects that will completely modernise the electricity grid in Scotland. We are still keen to hear from workers from other industries, including the offshore sector and the armed forces, who are looking for a new career with long-term prospects.”
Media Information: Paul Ferguson, 0141 614 4535 / 07702 665 924