OREANDA-NEWS. March 13, 2015. Engineers of the future got the chance to sample a career in the energy sector with a special open day held today by SSE at its training centre in Thatcham, near Newbury.

Designed to coincide with National Apprenticeship Week (March 9-13), the day is aimed at Students in Year 9 interested in future apprenticeships with SSE. 

Since 2007, more than 800 apprentices have been hired by SSE, which represents an overall investment of ?64m. 

Richard Benyon, MP for Newbury, attended to hear first hand the benefits of serving an apprenticeship in the energy sector. 

Richard said: “I have always championed apprenticeships as a way of providing our young people with the skills necessary to ensure financial security in later life. Two million apprenticeships have been started in this Parliament and I support the Prime Minister’s commitment to deliver three million by 2020.” 

“Speaking to businesses as frequently as I do, it is clear that a strong engineering background opens so many doors and I commend SSE on today’s open day.”  

John Stewart, SSE Director of Human Resources, warned of an impending skills shortfall of over 200,000 workers by 2023 unless investment was made now.

He said: “It’s a matter of real urgency that we unearth, nurture and develop the engineers of tomorrow. We know that half of the energy sector’s workforce will leave or retire by 2023; therefore 208,000 new people are required within this period to plug this skills gap.

“It’s why this year alone SSE will welcome an intake of 146 apprentices - 21 more than 2014. We’re backing the talent of tomorrow to the tune of ?11.68m this year, investing an average of ?80,000 per apprentice.”

Government and SSE research shows:

  • Apprentices earn, on average, over ?100,000 more during their lifetime than other employees.
  • On average 86% of apprentices stay in employment after completing their apprenticeship, with 67% staying with the same employer.
  • Our figures show that since 2012, 95% of SSE apprentices are still with us.
  • 28% of young people are taking subjects that apply to the energy industry which has an ageing workforce.
  • It is estimated that 50% of this sector’s workforce will leave or retire by 2023, therefore 208,000 new people are required within this period.

SSE apprentices help maintain 205,000km of power lines, work in wind farms, hydro stations and thermal plants, and help maintain commercial and domestic electrical systems.

SSE offers apprenticeship programmes lasting three to four years putting trainees through foundation degrees as well as giving them work experience across the business.  Graduates then join a two year rotational programme to develop their skills and experience and become professional engineers.  

To find out more about career and training opportunities at SSE visit www.sse.com/careers