01 March 2006 00:00 Central Networks recruits 50 new staff and looks for more to deliver multi-million pound investment on region’s electricity network

Central Networks, the electricity distribution company for central England, has taken on 50 new recruits to help deliver its £1.2billion investment programme across the Midlands.

In total Central Networks, its service providers and its sister Energy Services company is looking for 600 new electrical jointers, linesmen and project managers over the next two years and today’s announcement is the first phase of getting the right people on board.

Central Networks Managing Director Bob Taylor said: “I’m delighted to welcome our new employees who will play an important part in helping us deliver our investment programme, which is already well underway.

“Over the next 18 months, we are planning to take on another 150 recruits and working with our service providers and the Energy Services business to get the additional 400 employees on board.”

The new recruits have come from a wide range of backgrounds and will undergo specialist training to work on the network.

Bob said: “We have some recruits who have previously been electricians or who have some electrical experience, some who have no previous knowledge about our sector but who enjoy the hands-on side of their role, and others who have come from different industries such as construction.

“What’s important is that they are committed to the training, to being a part of a growing team and to the highest standards of health and safety.”

Central Networks, which is part of E.ON UK, serves 4.8million customers across the Midlands and employs over 4,000 employees.

Once trained, the new recruits will work directly from one of the company’s seven delivery centres across the region.

Bob said: “As a business we’re working hard to get the extra people we need and today’s announcement is just one of the measures we’re currently working on.

“We have a robust and popular advanced apprentice scheme, we support undergraduate engineers through the Power Academy scheme and we’re launching our new school engagement programme, plugin2enginnering, across the region this spring.

“Our new recruits, and the range of programmes we support, demonstrate we’re committed to finding the right people for today and tomorrow.”

Anyone interested in finding out how to apply for a position are invited to send their CV to David Hughes, Central Networks, Pegasus Business Park, Herald Way, Castle Donnington, Derbyshire, DE74 2TU.

Ends

Notes to editors:
The 50 new employees will report to local delivery centres in Worcester, Tipton, Gloucester, Stoke, Moorgreen (Nottinghamshire), Hinckley and Sleaford.
•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.
•Energy Services brings together metering services, home energy services and new connections under one business. It provides homes and businesses with metering services, connects to power and gas and fits energy efficient measures.
•Energy Services also offers major clients a one stop shop for their power and gas needs.

For further information and pictures contact:
Rebecca Middleton on 024 7642 5779
Out of hours, call 024 7642 4000 and ask for the duty press officer