OREANDA-NEWS. The Minister joined apprentices Craig Martin, an 18-year-old first year electrical apprentice from Denny in Falkirk; Morna Grant, a 21-year-old first year plumbing apprentice from Stirling; and Megan Dougan, an 18-year-old from Pollok in Glasgow who is studying towards a Foundation Degree in Electrical Power Engineering.

Last month SSE welcomed 169 new apprentices into the company, 73 based in Scotland. Since 2007, SSE has hired more than 800 apprentices, investing ?64m - ?80,000 for every new recruit.

This comes at a time when the energy sector is facing a skills gap with 50% of the industry workforce expected to leave or retire by 2023. More than 200,000 new recruits will be needed – ensuring strong career prospects for those entering the industry.

Andrea Leadsom MP, Minister of State at the Department for Energy and Climate Change, said: “It’s great to meet SSE’s new intake of apprentices here in Glasgow today. Apprenticeships give young people a secure future, valuable experience, a regular pay packet and a recognised qualification. Not only does this give them a great opportunity but it also helps to drive our economy forward as we compete on the world’s stage.”

Gary Hamilton, SSE’s Technical Training Manager, said: “It’s a special start to our apprentices’ career getting an audience with the Energy Minister. Our new recruits have a bright future in a burgeoning industry. Investing in apprentices and trainees is vital for the future of SSE the energy industry and the country.

“Apprenticeships are a fantastic way into a highly-skilled and long-term career. And with 95% of our recruits staying with us after they’ve completed their training SSE is a great place to learn a trade. We’ve already opened our recruitment process for next year’s intake and look forward to welcoming even more trainees to the company.”

SSE offers apprenticeship programmes lasting three to four years in nine different areas. SSE trainees help maintain 205,000 km of power lines across its distribution and transmission networks and power stations, wind farms and hydro projects as well as carrying out commercial or domestic electrical work.

It puts 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.