14 December 2006 00:00 Central Networks asks school leavers ‘have you got what it takes?’ in its search for livewire apprentices
In its largest ever recruitment drive, Central Networks, the electricity distribution company for central England, is searching for the next generation of its workforce by calling on young people across the Midlands to consider joining its industry-leading advanced apprentice scheme.
Central Networks, which is part of E.ON UK, has 49 openings for young people to join the company and is searching for recruits that have what it takes when potentially 4.9 million customers depend on them.
David Hughes, Resource Manager for Central Networks said: “Our customers rely on us to keep their lights on and provide a reliable electricity supply. We need enthusiastic people to help us continue to deliver an excellent service and become part of our qualified and dependable team.
“We have over £1bn to invest in our electricity network before 2010 but we’re facing a shortage of engineers and skilled crafts persons. We need the next generation of our team to deliver this investment and continue to improve the regions electricity network. “
Posters have been distributed to every secondary school, college and Connexions office across the region and so far the company has received applications from over 600 potential candidates.
David said: “We’re looking for apprentices with the right qualifications and work ethos. In return they’ll receive excellent training in dedicated learning centres from a growing company that is committed to the highest standards of health and safety and investing in its people.”
Apprentices will train to become electrical fitters, underground cable jointers or overhead lines persons working on the region’s electricity network which has enough cable to go around the world over four times.
The 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 December 31st and anyone interested in finding out more can log onto www.power-to-inspire.co.uk/apprentices
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 4.9 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:
Ellie King on 02476 183678
Out of hours, call 02476 424000 and ask for the duty press officer