SSE showcased what’s involved in keeping the lights on at a national careers show recently to attract young people into the industry.
The Skills Show at the NEC Birmingham was attended by over 74,000 young people, teachers and parents who wanted to find out the opportunities available for training, education and apprenticeships.
With only around 20 per cent of young people studying subjects that will enable them to enter a career in engineering, SSE was keen to get the message out about the range of opportunities available and the skills required to enter a varied and rewarding career in the energy industry.
Lee Head, Pipelines Manager at SSE said: “At SSE, we recruit an average of 100 apprentices every year into our Distribution, Contracting and Generation businesses. Apprentices are a key part of our employee recruitment programme which is important for us to build a strong and diverse workforce.
“Although the applications for places are always strong, it’s essential that we promote the opportunities available across the business and the many different roles on offer to help make energy a top career choice today.”
SSE’s apprenticeship scheme for its 2015 intake was promoted at the event last week with roles available across England, Scotland and Wales for Linespersons, Fitters, Jointers, Electricians, Heating and Ventilation Engineers, Electrical and Mechanical Engineers and Wind Turbine Technicians.
Opportunities involve training to help maintain the 205,000 km of overhead - and underground - power lines across SSE’s distribution and transmission networks, plant and equipment at depots, power stations, wind farms or hydro projects, or carry out commercial or domestic electrical work.
There are currently around 500 people going through various stages of SSE’s training and apprenticeship programme at an average investment of £80,000 per trainee. This year 20% more trainees have been hired compared to last year.
For more information on a career with SSE visit www.sse.com/careers