National Grid’s schools engagement scheme inspires 147,000 students towards green energy careers
- £1.8 million initiative reaches over 180 schools and colleges nationwide
- Over 200 volunteers deliver mentoring, workshops and career talks
- Programme generates an estimated £6.3 million in socioeconomic value
A nationwide schools outreach programme led by National Grid as part of its London Power Tunnels (LPT) project has engaged over 147,000 students, surpassing its original target of 100,000.
Launched in 2020 in partnership with social enterprise Connectr, the £1.8 million initiative aimed to tackle social mobility challenges, close STEM skills gaps, and open pathways into green energy careers for underrepresented young people.
Over five years, the programme reached students aged 11-18 in more than 180 schools and colleges across 67 local authorities, including 33,000 students in London boroughs along the LPT route who took part in live in-person and virtual sessions.
More than 700 students participated in work experience placements, gaining hands-on insight into National Grid and its partners while developing workplace skills through interactive activities.
Tens of thousands of students also accessed free curriculum-linked resources offering insight into the energy sector and career pathways. As part of the project’s legacy, the materials remain available to schools and colleges to support future learning.
The programme’s success was powered by over 200 volunteers from National Grid and delivery partners Hochtief-Murphy Joint Venture, Balfour Beatty, Linxon and Taihan, who contributed over 1,600 hours of mentoring, workshops and career talks.
Student feedback highlighted the programme’s impact:
- 93% felt better informed about the energy industry
- 95% felt clearer about future options following work experience
- 87% gained a better understanding of skills needed for STEM careers
- 64% said they were more likely to pursue a career in energy
One such student, Divine Kuteesa, connected with National Grid through the programme while studying engineering at Merton College in South London. Her 21-week placement led to a full-time role as an assistant engineer on the LPT project, where she is now completing a construction development programme to further her skills. Divine said:
Two years ago, I didn’t realise how many opportunities existed in my community – and then a National Grid workshop changed my perspective. It gave me the motivation to keep studying and explore my future. I now volunteer to give back and help others discover careers in STEM and energy. Being part of the London Power Tunnels team that is rewiring the city gives me the chance to continue learning and make a real difference. I’m very excited about future possibilities.
The programme is estimated to have delivered £6.3 million in socioeconomic value, including by reducing the likelihood of young people becoming NEET (not in education, employment or training).
Among those reached, 71% identified as ethnic minorities and 58% as female or non-binary – groups historically underrepresented in STEM. 66% of schools engaged had above-average free school meal eligibility, highlighting the programme’s focus on disadvantaged communities.
Joe Senior, National Grid’s project director for London Power Tunnels, said:
It’s been fantastic to see how our programme has helped opened doors for thousands of young people, giving them the chance to explore careers in STEM and energy that they may never have considered. By engaging students from diverse backgrounds, the LPT project team and Connectr have helped shape brighter futures while strengthening the talent pipeline for tomorrow’s green workforce.
Will Akerman, founder and managing director of Connectr, said:
We’re proud to have partnered with National Grid on a programme that’s made a real difference to thousands of young people. Through a shared commitment to youth engagement and social impact, we’ve helped students from all backgrounds explore careers in energy and STEM. It’s been a powerful example of what can be achieved through purposeful collaboration.
Wakib Ullah, business studies teacher at Royal Greenwich Trust School, said:
The programme really aligned with our students’ interests and curriculum needs. The guest speakers, workshops and resources have given them invaluable insight into the energy sector and opened their eyes to new career paths. It’s inspired them to think beyond traditional routes, and see the range of opportunities at organisations like National Grid.
London Power Tunnels is a £1 billion project to reinforce the capital’s electricity network via deep underground tunnels. A full report on the project’s social impact since 2020 is available online.
National Grid recently published a paper outlining progress and recommendations for securing the workforce needed to deliver the grid upgrades needed for the future, including recruiting over 2,300 graduates and apprentices across its UK business over the next five years.
The company’s transmission apprenticeship programmes were recently rated ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted for the fourth consecutive inspection.