Scottish Hydro Electric Transmission (SHE Transmission), part of the SSE Group, is looking for 28 new recruits for its award-winning transmission overhead line training scheme. The programme offers unemployed school leavers in the Highlands the opportunity of a career within the energy industry.
Applications are now open for this year’s training programme, which has been jointly developed with Inverness College UHI and SSE and is part-funded by SSE and Skills Development Scotland. An open day is being held at Inverness College on Wednesday 14 August from 12:00 until 16:00, where interested youngsters can find out more and pick up an application form.
Gary Hamilton, Head of Operational Training at SSE, said: “As a result of last year’s training programme, 18 young Highlanders are now in full-time employment and looking forward to long and successful careers in the industry.
“SHE Transmission is investing heavily in transmission infrastructure across the Highlands and we are committed to making sure that it youngsters who reside in the local community are the future of the industry by providing them with the training and skills required.”
David Hosey, Vice Principal of Inverness College UHI once again welcomed this opportunity for the people of the Highlands. He said: “This type of collaboration provides the best balance of education and job-specific training and creates a great career opportunity for those with an interest in the energy sector.”
All applications are being assessed by Job Centre Plus and anyone who can’t make the open day can email pauline.doull@dwp.gsi.gov.uk for an application form. The closing date for applications is 28 August 2013.
Successful candidates will undertake a 10-week, college-based course at Inverness College UHI, on completion of which, subject to meeting company requirements, candidates will be given a six-month contract with SSE. They will then be required to spend 10 weeks at SSE’s state-of-the-art training facility in Perth and spend a further 10 weeks at Balfour Beatty’s transmission overhead line training facility in Derbyshire and Nottingham.
The programme is designed predominantly for school leavers and applicants should meet the following criteria:
- Have a minimum of three standard grades or more;
- Due to the nature of the job, applicants will be subject to medical assessment and not be averse to working at height;
- Be flexible in their working arrangements; ie working away from home;
- Have no colour blind deficiencies; and
- Be open to criminal, drug and alcohol checks being carried out.
See what some of last year's trainees have to say about their time on the programme: