15 February 2006 00:00 Central Networks invites school leavers to ‘fill these boots’ by joining industry approved apprentice scheme
Central Networks, the electricity distribution company for central England, is today urging young people across the Midlands to consider joining its industry-leading advanced apprentice scheme.
After taking on record numbers last year, Central Networks, which is part of E.ON UK, is launching a new advertising campaign to attract 35 more young people into its business to help it deliver its billion pound investment programme.
And this year its advanced apprentice scheme has received recognition from the Institution of Incorporated Engineers (IIE), the largest professional engineering body in the UK.
David Hughes, Resource Strategy and Planning Manager, said: “We have over a billion pounds to invest in our electricity network over the next four years but we’re also facing a skills gap.
“We’re hoping that our new campaign will attract more young people to help us deliver our improvement programme.
“The posters challenge young people to consider whether they’re up for ‘filling the boots’ of our engineers.
“There are featured case studies that we hope will show the students just how diverse the role of an engineer can be.”
The posters will be going up in every secondary school, college and Connexions office across the region.
David said: “We’ve worked really hard to achieve recognition from the IIE and we’re delighted our advanced apprentice scheme has been approved by the professional body.
“We’re looking for apprentices with the right qualifications, dedication and work ethos. In return they’ll receive excellent training in dedicated learning centres from a company that is committed to the highest standards of health and safety and investing in its people.”
Apprentices will train to be fitters, jointers or linesman working on the region’s network. Their training will last for up to four years and, as well as gaining experience and technical skills, they will also be given the opportunity to study for a City & Guilds 2322 and achieve NVQ Level 3 in Electricity Distribution and Transmission Engineering.
The deadline for applications is March 31st and anyone interested in finding out more can log onto www.fill-these-boots.co.uk.
Ends
Notes to editors:
• Apprentices are expected to have at least five GCSE’s at grade C or above, including Maths and English;
• Central Networks is the new name for Midlands Electricity and East Midlands Electricity. The company brings power to 4.8 million customers across the East and West Midlands through 133,000km of underground and overhead cables and via almost 97,000 substations;
• Central Networks covers an area from the Peak District in the north to parts of Bristol in the south, and from the Welsh Borders to the Lincolnshire Coast.
For further information and pictures contact:
Jane Branscombe on 024 7642 5528
Out of hours, call 024 7642 4000 and ask for the duty press officer