They are among 55 new apprentices enlisted by UK Power Networks to play a key part in Britain’s clean energy future.
Of them, 15 are based in London and will train in roles that support the electricity network across the capital, the South East, and East of England.
Connal Macbeth, 29, from Peckham, will train as a substation fitter in Canning Town.
Homelessness support worker Connal built his career path around helping others, distributing aid to refugees in Calais and working with homeless people across London.
After years in the social sector his DIY interests led him to a new career in electricity. He said: “I learnt a huge amount from working with vulnerable people, but it is time for a new challenge. I am excited to start working on the electricity distribution network, helping to increase capacity to enable the transition to renewable energy and net zero.”
Daniel Harney, 31, from Leytonstone, who will train as a cable jointer in Lea Valley, while James Regis, 33, from Stratford, will be working from Canning Town.
James has spent the past 14 years working as a commercial metering operative and wanted career progression so took a friend’s advice to apply.
The first person in his family to get an apprenticeship, he said. “I was ecstatic about getting the job and it’s been a long time since I felt like that. I feel like a child all over again at Christmas. I’m very excited about it.”
Ryan Murphy, 23, from Barnet, is training as an overhead linesperson, based at Hemel Hempstead.
Former groundworks contractor Ryan said: “It’s an exciting time to be in electricity. Everything is moving towards electrical power, and our role is essential. I previously did resurfacing for UK Power Networks’ roadworks sites – digging and filling holes, and restoring things to how they were. That’s how I got to know the company.
“I was buzzing to get the job. Staff had told me the best thing they did was joining UK Power Networks and since I’ve joined, everyone has been so welcoming, the people are lovely. It felt like an achievement being picked from 2,000 people. Heights don’t bother me. We were sent up a pole to practice, and someone asked if I’d done it before. From the moment I joined, it felt brilliant, like a family. Everyone, from the assessment stage onward, has been genuinely lovely.
“My main goal is to master my craft and keep looking for opportunities as they arise. I’m always thinking about the next step, but for now, I want to focus on doing my job well.”
Fellow north Londoner Elliott Burns, 41, is retraining to be a substation fitter in the Chilterns.
Elliott, who has worked in policing, coffee trucks, and insurance, said: “I felt proud to get the job and had I realised I was in competition with 2,000 people I wouldn’t have applied!
“I will be maintaining electricity substations, which helps to keep the lights on for millions of people. I’m looking forward to a new, long-term career in a future-proof industry.
“Working outdoors appeals to me and doing a variety of work. I hope to progress within the company, but don’t want to rush things. There’s no substitute for experience and learning before moving on.”
From Enfield, Callum Grant, 18, is training as a substation fitter at Borehamwood, while Michael Cook, 17, is going to be a cable jointer based in Lea Valley.
Ibshar Uddin, 19, from the Westminster area, will be a substation fitter working from Camden depot.
Ibshar applied for the apprenticeship as his brother works for UK Power Networks and told him about the opportunity. He said: “I’ve always had a thing for engineering, I love learning with my hands, I’m not a college person, I chose electrical as it will be the most hands on.”
Shay Fitzgerald, 17, from Uxbridge, who has wanted to be an electrician since he was 14 and will be a cable jointer based in Camden, alongside Alvaro Lincango, 19, from Hillingdon.
Shay studied electrical installation in college and applied for an apprenticeship which has several stages in the selection process.
He said: “You have to have confidence in yourself, I believed if I got the chance of an interview I would get through. I got the interview and thought I could get to the assessment day – I enjoyed every bit of it – even the maths test!”
Outside work he enjoys boxing and kickboxing and is a regular supporter of Millwall FC, attending home games with his dad.
Alvaro has been working as a lifeguard in Parsons Green where he rescued a little boy who had got into the pool at the deep end without his parents.
He said: “I wanted something hands on and I’ve always had a passion for maths and physics and did well in the exams. I went to college and did mechanical engineering, then I looked for apprenticeships.”
Alvaro said his brother had been on an IT apprenticeship and his family were just as excited when he was picked for UK Power Networks.
“I was over the moon,” he said. “It’s a very big achievement to be part of the energy industry. Renewable energy will flow, solar panels and low emissions are the future.”
Elijah Briggs, 19, from Hounslow, was inspired to apply by a tutor and said he enjoys working outdoors. He will train as a cable jointer with UK Power Networks Services.
James Howden, 17, from Bexleyheath, will become an electricity substation fitter based in Falconwood, and Ubayd Kayan, 28, from Bexley, will be working from the Falconwood depot as a substation fitter.
Omari Hibbert, 18, from Lewisham, is going to be a cable jointer working out of Brixton depot.
Omari studied electrical installation at college and was looking for jobs when he kept noticing UK Power Networks vans driving past. He investigated the company and discovered apprenticeships.
With the support of his grandad, who had worked in many trades, he applied.
Omari, who enjoys football and plays for Bromley Football Club, said: “Every time I saw a van I said ‘that is going to be me one day’.
“I had never done anything like the assessment day – I even got to climb an electricity pole!” He is first in his family to gain an apprenticeship and said: “It’s changed my whole life trajectory and I can see a future.”
The apprentices were selected from more than 2,000 applicants.
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 London 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 company has invested £6 million in its apprenticeship programme this year.
UK Power Networks’ scheme has received national recognition from the Department for Education.
Applications for apprenticeships starting in September 2026 are open now.
