RGC rugby players Harri Evans and Molly Kelly kick off the academic year of SP Energy Networks’ apprenticeship programme on the playing field at Parc Erias. The pair applied to join the apprenticeship programme after taking an interest in the company which sponsors their rugby teams and maintains the electricity networks in the area.
Molly, 18, who lives in Anglesey is one of 24 new apprentices to join SP Energy Networks’ craft apprenticeship programme this year while Harri, 24, from Colwyn Bay joins as one of 10 new Power Networks Engineering Higher Apprentices. Since the partnership with RGC, SP Energy Networks has seen an increase in the number of apprenticeship applications in the North Wales area and the company has recently introduced new programmes for different entry levels as an alternative to further education.
Nia Lowe, Strategic Workforce Renewal Manager at SP Energy Networks, said: “SP Energy Networks is proud to support the next generation of our workforce through our apprenticeship and trainee programmes in North Wales. We are dedicated to the learning and development of all our trainees and run a range of programmes for different entry levels, from age 16 upwards. It’s great to see so many young people with an interest in working with us at SP Energy Networks within their local communities.”
Molly, who was urged by her rugby coach to apply for a place on SP Energy Networks’ apprenticeship programme, said: “I’ve always wanted to work in engineering and to have been accepted to work with SP Energy Networks as a Craft Apprentice is a great opportunity.
“It’s been extremely encouraging to see the work that SP Energy Networks does to support women in the engineering industry, so it will be great to become a part of their team. I look forward to learning new skills and pursuing my career with SP Energy Networks. I’m excited for what the future holds with my new employer and with everybody involved at RGC.”
Both Harri and Molly plan to continue their rugby careers whilst carrying out their apprenticeships.
In January 2019 SPEN will be looking to recruit 26 craft apprentices, 10 power engineering apprentices along with 10 positions on their brand new project management apprenticeship scheme. Look out for more information on all early careers entry routes on the careers section of the website: https://www.spenergynetworks.co.uk/pages/careers.aspx
Notes to Editors
SP Energy Networks:
- SP Energy Networks (SPEN) is the licensed Electricity Distributor (DNO) for North Wales, Central & Southern Scotland and for Merseyside, Cheshire, and North Shropshire. It has 30,000 substations (one substation for every 100 customers), 40,000km overhead lines (once around the globe), and 70,000km underground cables.
- SPEN also operates the Transmission Network in Central and Southern Scotland. It takes electricity generated from power stations, windfarms and various other utilities and transport it through its vast transmission network, consisting of over 4,000km of overhead and 320km of underground lines. It has 129 transmission substations in its network that helps to manage extra high voltage electricity supplies.
- From 2015 to 2023 SP Energy Networks plans to invest approximately £5 billion into the electricity network.