Training varies slightly from person to person – depending on your skills and qualification on entry – and the area you choose to work in. Typically though, it will include the following:

Induction. This four week introduction is where you meet other trainees, get to learn the basics about our business, take part in modules on health & safety and even spend a week team-building on an Outward Bound course in Cumbria. Induction takes part at our first-class residential training centre in Eakring, Nottingham – and during your first year you’ll get to know it well! In any ways it’s like a small college, with workshops and training rooms with excellent facilities.

Study towards a Foundation degree in Electrical Power Engineering.Study will take place at our Eakring centre where you’ll be based Monday-Friday during your first year. We’ve worked with Aston University to tailor this course specifically to our needs. It’s suitable both for people who have never studied engineering beyond A level, as well as for those who already have a background or experience in electrical or electronic engineering. Every six weeks Aston University lecturers visit Eakring to deliver a module within the degree, which usually lasts two weeks with an assessment at the end. Once you have the Foundation Degree, you might be able to go on to convert it into a full degree. This will be discussed with you during your training.

Managed Field Experience. Once you’ve completed your first year at Eakring, you will spend time out ‘in the field’ observing real-life situations so you can build up a portfolio of key practical experiences. Expect to travel around. One week you could be in Newcastle watching major maintenance on a transformer, the next in Cornwall observing the replacement of switchgear. This is an important part of your overall development and is carefully managed by a Scheme Coordinator who will help you identify where and what type of activities you need to broaden you experience.