UK Power Networks is investing £6 million in craft electricity apprenticeships this year, including fresh recruits from Kent set to play a key part in shaping Britain’s energy future.
13 new hires from Kent are among 55 newcomers stepping into critical electricity trades which maintain reliable power supplies to 20 million people and support Britain’s transition to low-carbon power.
They are part of the firm’s new workforce needed to fill essential energy roles that keep power flowing and connect the low-carbon future to the grid by enabling more solar energy, electric vehicles and heat pumps. The positions received 2,052 applications.
- Kirsty Jones, 31, from Ashford, is training as a substation fitter in Maidstone
- Joshua Keehne, 18, from Gravesend, is training as a substation fitter with UK Power Networks Services
- John Friend, 20, from Dartford, is training as an overhead linesperson in Purfleet, Essex
- Luke Derwin, 30, from West Malling, is training to become an overhead linesperson in Purfleet
- Ryan Jones, 30, from Rainham, is training as a substation fitter in Maidstone
- Chris Bage, 39, of Rochester, is training as an overhead linesperson at Purfleet
- Craig Hayward, 31, from Ashford, is training as an overhead linesperson in Strood.
- Teddy Worley, 17, from Chatham, is training as a substation fitter, based in Chatham with UK Power Networks Services
- Jack O’Connor, 17, from Sutton at Hone, Dartford, is training as a substation fitter, based in Chatham with UK Power Networks Services
- Zoe Harris, 16, from Sittingbourne, is training as a substation fitter, in Strood
- Rhys Fisher, 37, from Ashford is embarking on a new career as an overhead linesperson in Strood
- Oscar Behrens 19, from Ashford and Owen Webster, 18, from Hythe, are training as substation fitters in Strood
Charlie Aston, engineering trainee manager at UK Power Networks, said: “Our apprenticeships nurture local talent and prepare the technical energy experts of tomorrow to power our regions’ future.
“We are building a strong, skilled workforce drawn from the very communities we serve, enabling recruits from Kent to play a vital role in maintaining, connecting and upgrading the electricity network for homes and businesses and helping power Britain’s low-carbon future.”
The firm has invested £6m in its apprenticeship programme this year, which has won several awards, including national recognition from the Department for Education.
Applications for apprenticeships starting in September 2026 are open now.
