Over the past six years, National Grid's partnership with Connectr has helped inspire more than 147,000 young people to explore careers in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM). Together, we have exceeded our original engagement target and created lasting opportunities for students across South London.
As the UK transitions towards net zero by 2050, the energy sector will need around 400,000 new skilled workers to help build and maintain the energy networks of the future. Meeting this challenge means inspiring the next generation to pursue STEM subjects and careers, while opening doors for young people who may not have previously considered a future in the industry.
Through our London Power Tunnels 2 (LPT2) project, National Grid partnered with Connectr to deliver a long-term STEM and careers engagement programme in schools across South London. The programme forms part of our wider commitment to improving social mobility and helping address the skills shortage across STEM industries.
Working in some of London's most disadvantaged communities, the programme has gone beyond its original ambition, engaging more than 147,000 young people through interactive STEM workshops, careers fairs, careers talks, digital mentoring and work experience opportunities. Research suggests that disadvantaged students are twice as likely to end up not in education, employment or training (NEETS) by the age of 18 than their peers. By connecting students with professionals working in the energy sector, the programme has helped broaden aspirations and introduce exciting career opportunities that many may not have otherwisconsidered.
The workshops, aimed at students in Years 9 to 13, have been delivered by volunteers from National Grid, our construction partners and Connectr. By sharing their own career journeys and experiences, these volunteers have helped bring STEM careers to life for thousands of young people.
Five years of achievement
Over five years, the partnership has delivered some remarkable results:
- More than 147,000 young people engaged across South London
- The original engagement target was exceeded ahead of schedule
- More than 93% of participating students said they felt better informed about careers in STEM after taking part
- New pathways into mentoring, work experience and careers across National Grid and its partners
Building on this success, the programme has now entered an exciting new phase. Students who have already engaged through workshops and mentoring are being offered more work experience opportunities across National Grid and our partner organisations. This creates a clear pathway from classroom engagement to real-world experience, helping students develop the skills and confidence neededto succeed and pursue future careers in the energy sector.
London Power Tunnels: Five-Year Social Impact Report
We are delighted to share our Five-Year Social Impact Report, celebrating the impact of our School Engagement Programme delivered in partnership with Connectr Early Engagement.
This milestone has been made possible through the commitment of colleagues across National Grid and the support of our delivery partners Hochtief-Murphy Joint Venture, Balfour Beatty, Linxon and Taihan. Together, we have created lasting opportunities for young people while helping to build the future workforce our industry needs.
Since 2020, the programme has reached more than 147,000 young people through work experience, in-school workshops, careers events and tailored learning resources. The report highlights the breadth of activity delivered and the positive outcomes achieved for students, schools and communities across South London. It reflects our continued commitment to creating meaningful social value and inspiring the next generation of engineers, innovators and problem-solvers.
Throughout the programme, we have delivered:
A £1.8 million initiative reaching over 180 schools and colleges nationwide
Over 1,600 hours of mentoring, workshops and career talks
An estimated £6.3 million in socioeconomic value
As LPT2 moves towards completion, the partnership with Connectr leaves a lasting legacy beyond the infrastructure itself. By helping thousands of young people discover rewarding careers in STEM, the programme is supporting the skilled, diverse workforce that will help deliver the UK's energy transition for decades to come, benefitting the whole country.