OREANDA-NEWS. The UK’s second largest energy company is on the look out for the country’s bright sparks to become its next generation of power workers.

SSE is searching for over 100 talented individuals for its 2013 Modern Apprenticeship programme with places located at over 50 of its sites right across the country including Inverness, Perth, Glasgow, Reading, Portsmouth and Cardiff*.

The hotly contested positions are available within the company’s Contracting, Networks, Generation and Home Services divisions with electrical, gas and mechanical apprenticeships as well as multi-skilled craft Modern Apprenticeships up for grabs.

Successful applicants will not only study for an industry recognised qualification but they’ll also be getting hands on experience working for one of the largest energy companies in the UK.

Technical Training Manager at SSE, Gary Hamilton, who runs the company’s apprenticeship scheme said: “Providing employment and training opportunities at every corner of the country is at the heart of what we do. We currently employ around 20,000 staff in Great Britain and Ireland.

“Our apprenticeship schemes are a tremendous success with over 600 successfully graduating through our programme since 2007. Plus with our dedication to continued professional development, many of our apprentices have climbed the ladder to achieve senior management positions.

“Apprenticeship schemes can really open the doors to a successful career and I encourage anyone who meets the criteria and is looking for a challenging and rewarding career to apply.”

Apprentices could find themselves operating the company’s wind farms or power stations; helping to maintain the 130,000 km of overhead and underground power lines across the distribution network or installing and maintaining customers' central heating systems.

23 year-old Danielle Watson from Inverness, who joined the Electrical Contracting Modern Apprenticeship scheme last year, added: “I’m really enjoying the programme so far. It’s got the right balance of real-life practical experience mixed with classroom based study. I’ve spent time at college and have also been out and about working in nursing homes and all kinds of businesses and domestic properties.

“Modern Apprenticeships are a great way to get your first step on the career ladder. It will give you the opportunity to delve into the world of work, earn a salary while gaining industry recognised qualifications too.”

Interested individuals must have, or expect to achieve 5 GCSE / Standard Grade passes (C / 3 or above) including English, Maths and a Science or Craft subject. Candidates’ hobbies and interests should demonstrate a passion relating to the energy industry and live within easy commuting distance to one of our sites.

Last year, the apprenticeship scheme attracted nearly 5000 applications for just 106 positions. If successful, candidates spend between three and four years training, combining employment with formal study and will expect to receive a salary of around ?9000 per annum.