Shane Scott follows in his father’s footsteps by joining EDF Energy Networks.
30 July 2010
A former plumber has swapped his plunger for power supplies, after gaining a place on the EDF Energy Networks’ apprenticeship scheme.
Shane Scott from Telscombe Way, Luton is among 12 successful candidates from about 500 applicants, joining a training programme to become fitters and jointers.
The former Stopsley High School pupil is on a two-year course where he will train to be an electrical fitter and ultimately join the skilled team of field staff who keep a quarter of the UK’s electricity networks running.
Shane, 20, decided to apply for the apprenticeship because he had heard about EDF Energy Networks from his dad, also called Shane, who works as a jointer for the company.
He said: “I saw an opportunity for a job for life at a company that treats you really well.
“It is a really good course so far and is challenging. I’m really looking forward to my career here.”
Once Shane has finished the apprenticeship he will be based in Stevenage and will be responsible for maintaining the electrical equipment which distributes power supplies to people in the area.
EDF Energy Networks managing director Laurent Ferrari said: “We are committed to maintaining a reliable supply of electricity for our customers by ensuring the people who manage our networks meet the very highest standards.
“The quality of the service we provide for our customers in the future depends on us having the right people with the right skills. Our apprenticeship scheme is enormously popular and is helping us attract and train new employees to what is an exciting industry to work in. This apprenticeship scheme is important for us because a number of people will retire in the coming years – we want to prepare for the future!”
Once their apprenticeships are complete the new recruits will be part of the full workforce, keeping electricity flowing to nearly eight million customers.
The apprenticeship scheme restarted in 1996 to address a shortage in the number of electrical craftsmen joining the industry. Since then hundreds of apprentices have been through a structured programme of training and many of them are now fully-fledged members of the workforce, keeping the power network in good working order.
The apprenticeship scheme includes a mixture of formal training, together with on-the-job experience in the field, to put their skills into practice. The formal training will be carried out at EDF Energy Networks’ three training centres at Sundridge in Kent, and Bury St Edmunds and Risby in Suffolk.
At the end of their programme the apprentices will qualify with a Qualification and Credit Framework (QCF) Diploma in Electrical Power Engineering.
EDF Energy Networks is the largest power distribution business in the UK. The company delivers electricity to nearly eight million homes and businesses in an area extending from the River Arun on the Sussex coast to The Wash in the East. The company’s networks are so large they could stretch several times around the circumference of the planet.
Ends
For further information please contact Jessica Gallagher in the EDF Energy press office on 01473 266484.
Notes to editors:
EDF Energy is one of the UK’s largest energy companies, producing around a fifth of the nation’s electricity from its nuclear, coal and gas power stations, as well as combined heat and power plants and wind farms. The company provides power to a quarter of the UK’s population via its electricity distribution networks and supplies gas and electricity to more than 5.5 million business and residential customers. It is the number one supplier of electricity to major business in the UK.
EDF Energy’s safe and secure operation of its eight existing nuclear power stations at sites across the country makes it the UK’s largest generator of low carbon electricity. EDF Energy is also leading the UK’s nuclear renaissance and has published plans to build four new nuclear reactors, subject to the right investment framework. These new plants would generate enough low carbon electricity for about 40% of Britain’s homes. They would make an important contribution to the UK’s future needs for clean, secure and affordable energy. The project is already creating business and job opportunities for British companies and workers.
Through Our Climate and Social Commitments EDF Energy has launched the biggest environmental and social programme of any UK energy company. EDF is the official energy utilities partner and sustainability partner of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The company is also helping its customers and others use energy more sustainably through products and initiatives such as Read, Reduce, Reward and Team Green Britain.
EDF Energy is part of EDF Group, one of Europe’s largest power companies. Following the integration with British Energy in 2009, the company employs nearly 20,000 people at locations across the UK.