30 March 2009 11:40 Trainee Jessica proves providing power is not just a job for the boys

Jessica Morgan is proof positive that handling high-voltage electrical cables isn't just a job for the boys.

Jessica, 21, is on a four-year electrical apprenticeship with E.ON, one of the UK's leading power and gas companies. She is training to become an overhead linesperson for Central Networks, carrying out construction, maintenance and repairs on the power distribution system which serves almost 9.5 million people across the Midlands.

Jessica started her apprenticeship in September 2008 and divides her time between the Central Networks base near her home in Gloucester and E.ON's Engineering Academy at Tipton in the West Midlands.

"I'm really enjoying all the work I've been doing so far. I love being outside - it's work but it doesn't feel like it to me," said Jessica.

"I love it because it's not office work. We're an emergency service in some ways, helping keep power running into people's homes, day or night."

Jessica's career choice is fairly unusual as most engineering places tend to be taken by men. But she has not fazed by that: "The fact that I'm a woman is irrelevant and I'm not conscious of it at all. All the apprentices are really supportive of each other."

After gaining A-Levels in PE and Geography, Jessica became interested in electrical work after completing an electrical home learning course. Her apprenticeship helps her work towards a NVQ in electrical distribution technology, and she thinks it's a great career to get into.

"I've always wanted a career in which I could work my way up the ladder, to always be improving. I work outside and get to see beautiful landscapes. I get to experience every kind of weather known to man whilst on top of a pole and if the weather is bad I find it more exciting as it's a challenge!" 

Like the other electrical apprentices, Jessica spends her time at the Engineering Academy learning practical skills she can use in the field. The rest of the time, she is out on site with a qualified linesman.

"We shadow them and watch them work," she adds. "When they're comfortable with us, and we feel confident enough, we get the chance to perform some of the simple tasks as well. Both the teachers at the training centre and the linespeople in the field are brilliant and really supportive."

Lawrence Wall, the manager of Central Networks' Gloucester base, said: "We welcome Jessica and the other apprentices into our team; it's great that more and more women like her are taking on roles and activities that have traditionally been seen as a male environment.

"She, like her colleagues, will receive first class training and support and, once qualified, she'll be an invaluable member of our team. I'm sure there'll be opportunities for her to progress, and with ambition, hard work, and support she will have a rewarding career."

Ends

Notes to editors:

• Central Networks brings power to 4.9 million customers across central England 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 contact:

Andrew Barrow on 024 7618 3677

A selection of Central Networks pictures is available free of charge to the media by registering at http://www.newscast.co.uk/ and looking under Distribution