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Hampshire apprentice starts training to power future energy

A fresh recruit from Hampshire is set to play a key part in shaping Britain's energy future.

Harvey Channon-Kalyango from Basingstoke is one of 55 new apprentices starting at UK Power Networks, of which seven will join us at UK Power Networks Services serving privately owned power infrastructure for clients in aviation, rail, and defence industries.

Harvey, 18, is training as a cable jointer in Aldershot. Harvey went to SCL college in Basingstoke and worked part-time in retail and hospitality before joining the firm.

He said:

This marks a really happy new start to life, meeting new people and going to different places. It was so exciting to get the job. Cable jointers are often confused with electricians, but we work on the mains power cables that provide electricity to businesses, airports, trains and homes. We repair, install and create new power lines and ensure supplies are safe and reliable. This is a great company with excellent career opportunities. I’m learning to be a cable jointer, but once I finish training, I hope to become an engineer and potentially progress into management. Everyone needs electricity and helping people keep their electricity on and having job security matters to me.

Harvey will follow the Power Networks Craftsperson (Level 3) Apprenticeship programme.

The group’s ‘foundation apprentices’, who are typically school or college leavers, complete Outward Bound Trust training and the Duke of Edinburgh’s Gold Award programme, as part of their three-year technical training programme. Experienced apprentices, who are often career changers, also complete Outward Bound training and follow condensed two-year training.

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 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 apprenticeship programme has won several awards, including regional and national recognition from the Department for Education’s apprenticeship awards, gold at the Learning Excellence Awards, and top honours from Energy and Utility Skills Awards. See here for applications for apprenticeships starting in September 2026 are open now.

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