The star quintet showed outstanding promise among participants in the DNO’s ‘Power Among Us’ programme. They now receive apprenticeships in craft roles related to the capital’s power grid.

The ‘Power Among Us’ programme saw UK Power Networks reaching out for the first time to various youth groups across the capital, to offer work experience for young people from communities so far under-represented in the energy industry.

The initiative was inspired by the UK’s cost-of-living crisis, where significant levels of unemployment are being experienced in London. Opportunities were given to nine individuals not in employment, education or training (aka ‘NEETs’).

Participants spent two weeks in UKPN’s offices where they developed soft skills in communication and interaction with colleagues, at the same time growing to understand how the UKPN operates.

The second half of the programme saw them go out with trained engineers to see first-hand how the power network is maintained.

UK Power Networks aimed to provide interns with employability skills that can be transferred into a variety of industry sectors.  The enterprise has judged  ‘Power Among Us’ first cohort to be a success, with every intern displaying skill and determination to learn about the industry.

The regional netco, a Top 50 Inclusive Employer, has made been at pains to give opportunities to youngsters who have traditionally not considered or had difficulty in accessing careers in electrical engineering. It plans to expand the initiative to the South East and East, after the programme’s success.

UKPN’s outreach and development specialist Natasha Paramasamy was among the initiative’s leaders. “The progress and growing maturity observed in our interns are commendable, “ she noted.

“They have dedicated themselves wholeheartedly, embracing an open mindset throughout the programme. The presentations they delivered at its end reflect the positive influence it has had on their personal and professional development.”

UKPN’s director of network operations Patrick Clarke began his career as an apprentice. He added:

“I think the industry has got some way to go. It’s still not seen as an attractive industry to some young people, and certainly not to young people from diverse backgrounds.

“To make this change, fishing in many different pools is essential, so when we cast our nets there will be interest from all types of people – because the best candidates come from every part of society”.

Kamron Nicely is one of the chosen five.  “The skills that I’ve developed is learning the difference between an electrician and an electrical engineer”, he said.

“If I wasn’t offered this opportunity, I would be doing voluntary work for an electrician, which is what I was doing before this. I would say this will have a good impact on my life and change my life because hopefully, I can get to a place where I want to be.

‌”It’s going to improve my future”, Kamron added, “by giving me the experience to come across business people, working class people and build networks in the future. I’m ready to start at UK Power Networks right away to be honest. They’re saying May or September, but hopefully it will be May”.

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An average of only 31 per cent of people approaching working age have heard of Net Zero, the organisations’ poll reveals. NEETs – youngsters not in employment, education or training – are even less confident with the term.

This poll’s conclusions from a monarchy-linked charity runs contrary to technology enthusiastic young energy innovators such as in community-focused Energy Garden London, pictured.

The Trust believes youngsters’ levels of ignorance imperils government hopes to recruit new workers into trades such as heat pump installer.  One estimate says 50,000 technicians are needed to meet the Conservatives’ target of 600,000 fittings by 2028.

For  their report out today, ‘Generation Green Jobs?’ research consultancy Public First polled 2,054 people under 25 years old.  Five focus groups held online with young people in the West Midlands, Teesside, and Fife – all areas slated by the government for new green industries– added to insights.

Forty-six per cent had not heard about green jobs during their education; among NEETs – 64 per cent – and young women – 61 per cent higher – ignorance was higher still.  Only 41 per cent of NEET youngsters had an interest in training for green jobs, compared with 59 per cent of all young people.

Only 5 per cent of youngsters imagined any green workers without university degrees, despite many low carbon technical roles being suited to vocational training.

Despite 49 per cent of young people declaring climate change as one of our time’s most pressing issues, only 18 per cent said that the environmental sustainability of their employer would be a factor in deciding between jobs.

Young people identified career progression (49 per cent), job security (48 per cent) and flexible hours (48 per cent) would increase their interest in working in the green economy. But they linked none to green jobs. Poor pay was identified as the top disadvantage of green jobs, citied by 25 per cent.

The  Trust wants its new modules on green skills to be included in Achieve, an education programme delivered in schools.

Lindsey Wright, The Prince’s Trust’s head of future sectors, said: “This report provides a stark warning about how much needs to be done to educate young people about green jobs and offer structured pathways into training and employment. Problematically, young people who could benefit most from these opportunities do not see themselves as suitable“.

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