SSE searches for the next generation of power workers

10th February 2013

To support a new ‘golden era’ of investment in the electricity infrastructure of the north of Scotland, leading energy company SSE is on the look out for bright sparks from across the region to become its next generation of power workers.

Part of an annual scheme, SSE is searching for 36 talented individuals for its 2013 Modern Apprenticeship programme with places located at over 15 of its sites across the north of Scotland including Inverness, Muir of Ord, Foyers in the Great Glen, Golspie, Fort William, Dingwall, Aberdeen and Peterhead.

The hotly contested positions are available within the company’s Renewables, Networks, Thermal Generation, Contracting and Home Services divisions with electrical, gas and mechanical apprenticeships as well as multi-skilled craft Modern Apprenticeships up for grabs.

Successful applicants will study for an industry recognised qualification and also get hands-on experience working for one of the largest energy companies in the UK.

SSE’s Technical Training Manager, Gary Hamilton, who manages the company’s apprenticeship scheme said:

“SSE has a long heritage in the north of Scotland, providing investment and secure employment for generations. With the area’s undoubted potential for renewable energy and the significant investment in the electricity network infrastructure, this presence is only going to grow. It is vitally important that opportunities are created for local people to play their part in this.

“Our apprenticeship schemes have been a tremendous success in the north of Scotland with over 200 recruits successfully graduating through our programme since 2007. With our dedication to continued professional development, many of our apprentices have climbed the ladder to achieve senior management positions.

“Apprenticeship schemes can really open the doors to a successful career and I encourage anyone who meets the criteria and is looking for a challenging and rewarding career to apply.”

Apprentices could find themselves operating the company’s wind farms or power stations; helping to maintain thousands of kilometres of overhead and underground power lines across the electricity distribution and transmission networks or installing and maintaining customers' central heating systems.

Twenty three year-old Danielle Watson from Nairn, who joined the Electrical Contracting Modern Apprenticeship scheme last year, added: “I’m really enjoying the programme so far. It’s got the right balance of real-life practical experience mixed with classroom based study. I’ve spent time at college and have also been out and about working in all kinds of businesses and domestic properties.

“Modern Apprenticeships are a great way to get your first step on the career ladder. It’s given me the opportunity to delve into the world of work whilst earning a salary and gaining industry recognised qualifications too.”

Interested individuals must have, or expect to achieve 5 GCSE / Standard Grade passes (C / 3 or above) including English, Maths and a Science or Craft subject. Candidates should demonstrate a passion relating to the energy industry and live within reasonable commuting distance to one of our sites.

If successful, candidates spend between three and four years training, combining employment with formal study and will expect to receive a salary of around £9000 per annum.

The closing date for applications is 17 March 2013. To apply visit
http://www.sse.com/Careers/Apprentices/

Case study – Danielle Watson from Nairn

Twenty three year-old Danielle Watson from Nairn applied for SSE’s Modern Apprenticeship scheme in 2012 whilst doing an electrical installation course at her local college. She had set her sights set on doing a trade from an early age and was delighted when the opportunity to work for a large, established energy company came along.

She said: “When I left Nairn Academy at 18, I did a bit of travelling around Europe for a time which was a great experience but when I returned I knew it was time to knuckle down and train for a job. I always wanted to do a trade and I thought electrical suited me best. Plus training for a trade also gives you an opportunity to travel.

“Although I was never great at maths or science at school, I managed to get good grades whilst at Inverness College and that, accompanied by drive and determination, helped me get an Electrical Contracting Modern Apprenticeship at SSE.”

Danielle is thoroughly enjoying the programme so far and has been spending time at college as well as getting good practice by working in all kinds of businesses and domestic properties.

“My apprenticeship will last three years and I am really enjoying it so far. I especially like the hands-on, practical aspect of the job which you get at college and on site.”

Danielle has aspirations to complete her training and move her way up the career ladder. She also has advice for those thinking about applying for the scheme.

“I’d definitely recommend SSE’s Modern Apprenticeship scheme. You have to be hard working, committed and be able to work well with others but it will give you the opportunity to delve into the world of work and earn a salary while gaining industry recognised qualifications.”

About SSE

SSE plc is one of the UK’s leading energy companies. It is involved in the generation, transmission, distribution and supply of electricity; energy trading; the development of major renewable energy projects; the extraction, storage, distribution and supply of gas; electrical and utility contracting; data centres and telecoms. It is the UK’s largest generator of renewable energy with over 3,200MW of renewable electricity generation capacity (wind, hydro and biomass) in the UK and Ireland.

In November 2012 SSE and the University of Highlands and Islands signed a ‘partnership agreement’ to maximise the benefits to the people of the Highlands and Islands from SSE’s low carbon energy investment. Key areas for collaboration include skills development, innovation and research. http://www.sse.com/PressReleases/2012/SSEUHIPartnershipAgreement/

SSE is already working with the University on an innovative new energy training scheme at Inverness College UHI, designed to give 16-24 year olds in the Highlands the opportunity to kick-start a career in the energy industry. This programme is currently providing 28 young people with 12 months of bespoke intensive training, alongside employment and hands-on experience within SSE. In addition, SSE expects to recruit a further nine Technical Skills Trainees (TSTs) in the Highlands during 2013.

PHOTO
Danielle Watson from Nairn, who joined the SSE apprenticeship programme in 2012