Apprentices sought to power the lives of millions

Nineteen-year-old apprentice Joshua Bridges, from Oldham

To mark National Apprenticeship Week the region’s power network operator, Electricity North West, is calling for new apprentices to start a bright career helping to power the lives of millions of people across Oldham and Greater Manchester.

The search is on for 11 new apprentices from Greater Manchester to train for three years to help maintain, develop and grow the electricity network for years to come.

National Apprenticeship Week, which runs until March 9, is organised by the National Apprenticeship Service to help promote apprenticeships and the positive impact they have on individuals, businesses and the wider economy.

Electricity North West’s apprenticeship scheme, which is now in its eleventh year, has trained and developed more than 200 apprentices providing opportunities for local people in the region.

Peter Emery, CEO for Electricity North West, said: “Our apprentices make a huge contribution to our organisation and we have a responsibility to the next generation to create opportunities.

“That’s why we’re marking National Apprenticeship Week with a call to action for people from across the North West to apply for our apprenticeship scheme and help us continue to deliver an essential, safe and innovative service for our five million customers.”

Nineteen-year-old apprentice Joshua Bridges, from Oldham, said: “I applied to become an apprentice so that I could be working and also be increasing my knowledge and learning new skills at the same time.

"I’m looking forward to moving my way up through the company.”

In total 20 apprenticeship opportunities are available across the north-west, including both overhead power line apprentices and cable jointer apprentices.

The deadline for applications is the April 2. To find out more and to apply click here.