UK Power Networks Services has welcomed seven new apprentices to play a part in shaping Britain’s energy future across a wide range of industries.
The new team will be trained to play a vital role in maintaining and upgrading privately owned power infrastructure for clients in aviation, rail, defence, and industry.
Andrew Peck, Noah Samson, Jack O’Connor, Teddy Worley, Joshua Keehne, Elijah Briggs and Harvey Channon-Kalyango are embarking on specialist training that will prepare them to deliver critical solutions for some of the UK’s most demanding sectors.
Charlie Aston, engineering trainee manager at UK Power Networks, said: “Our apprenticeships nurture local talent and prepare the technical energy experts of tomorrow to power our regions’ future. We equip the next generation with critical skills needed to maintain, connect and upgrade the electricity network.”
Once they qualify, these apprentices will join UK Power Networks Services, applying their expertise to support a range of clients and their work will help ensure the reliability of essential power infrastructure.
The apprenticeship programme has won several awards, including regional and national recognition from the Department for Education’s apprenticeship awards, gold at the Learning Excellence Awards, and top honours from Energy and Utility Skills Awards. Applications for apprenticeships starting in September 2026 are open now, see www.ukpowernetworks.co.uk/careers
New Foundation Apprentice Induction 2025 in Stevenage, Hertfordshire.
23/09/2025
Picture By Nigel Bowles
Read more about Andrew, Noah, Jack, Teddy, Elijah, Joshua and Harvey:
Harvey Channon-Kalyango, 18, from Basingstoke, is training as a cable jointer in Aldershot with UK Power Networks Services. Harvey went to SCL college in Basingstoke and worked part-time in retail and hospitality before joining the firm. He said: “This marks a really happy new start to life, meeting new people and going to different places. It was so exciting to get the job.
“Cable jointers are often confused with electricians, but we work on the mains power cables that provide electricity to businesses, airports, trains and homes. We repair, install and create new power lines and ensure supplies are safe and reliable.
“This is a great company with excellent career opportunities. I’m learning to be a cable jointer, but once I finish training, I hope to become an engineer and potentially progress into management. Everyone needs electricity and helping people keep their electricity on and having job security matters to me.”
Foundation apprentice, Joshua Keehne, 18, from Gravesend, is fulfilling a childhood dream, training as a substation fitter with UK Power Networks Services. The former Northfleet Technology College student says work experience with UK Power Networks’ tower line team, aged 14, was key. He said: “I did work experience twice with UK Power Networks and that meant everything to me. I spoke to the overhead linesperson, who explained if I didn’t get onto the apprenticeship there were other routes to achieve my goal.
“It felt amazing to be offered the job. I applied three years in row and finally got the job. I breathed a huge sigh of relief because I set my sights set on becoming a UK Power Networks’ employee.
“An electrical substation fitter installs and maintains equipment in substations, ensuring consistent electricity supplies for homes and businesses, minimising faults and keeping everything running smoothly without delays. I prefer working outdoors over an office job and enjoy hands-on learning with others on site. My site visits have left a great first impression and the team is very welcoming.”
Teddy Worley, 17, from Chatham, is training as a substation fitter, based in Chatham. He said: “I was eager to start work. It can be a job for life, and a great opportunity. I’ll be part of a team working with high voltage equipment like switchgear, transformers, and circuit breakers at substations, which are crucial to powering homes.
“My interest in electricity was sparked by work experience at an industrial site, thanks to a family friend, and grew through roles in domestic and commercial electrics. I enjoy teamwork. I’ve captained Chatham Town football and like working together and getting everyone involved.
“I’m excited about starting a long career with UK Power Networks. It was always my passion to pursue a career in electricity networks, helping keep the lights on.”
Jack O’Connor, 17, from Sutton at Hone, Dartford, is training as a substation fitter, based in Chatham. He studied electrical installations at Mid Kent College. He said: “The first person I called after I was offered the job was my dad, who works at UK Power Networks. My dad enjoys seeing his colleagues, who are like mates and I also want to work with friendly people, who are like a second family.
“I’ll learn to fit and fix substation equipment, such as transformers, that provide electricity to homes and businesses. I’ll feel proud to serve the community.
“One day I’d like to like to become an engineer but I don’t want to look too far ahead. I want to pass the apprenticeship first, discover what I can do and gain knowledge about the trades.
“The Outward Bound week we’ll do as part of our introduction to the company sounds cool. It’s a chance to expand my knowledge, meet new people and make new friends.”
19-year-old Elijah Briggs from Hounslow will become a cable jointer with UK Power Networks Services. He applied after his tutor told him how good the scheme was. He said: “I applied and didn’t think I had a chance, but he encouraged me and I made it through the first round and then the interviews and the assessment day. I was really nervous but I came out feeling proud of myself.
“I worked in a pub and when I got the call I played it cool, put the phone down and started screaming in the staff room! Everyone was really proud of me. This is a good time to get into this industry, the future is electricity.”
Elijah loves working outdoors and did an outdoor course after sixth form to become an activity leader. He also loves sports and used to play rugby for Twickenham Rugby Club.
Andrew Peck, 41, from Thurston in Suffolk is retraining to be a cable jointer for UK Power Networks Services in Bury St Edmunds, having spent eight years as a telecoms engineer. He was “over the moon” when he got a call offering him a two-year apprenticeship. As the father of three teenagers he is keen to look to the future in a low carbon world, with fewer emissions in the air and a healthier generation. In his spare time Andrew goes clay pigeon shooting and fishing for carp in Norfolk.
Noah Samson, 22, from Stowmarket in Suffolk coordinated a trial of driverless trucks at Felixstowe docks before retraining as a substation fitter for UK Power Networks Services based in Bury St Edmunds. He said: “I wanted the skillset challenge and I didn’t want to be stuck behind a desk for years. I’m really excited, looking forward to the challenge, it seems to be a great place to work and be part of.” Noah loves being outdoors and in his spare time he enjoys biking and kayaking. He added: “I’ll be getting hands on again and using my practical skills in the apprenticeship.”
