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Pre Employment Success Stories

Hear from our success stories

Rachel Stewart

Rachel Stewart

"After graduating with a Human Resources degree from the University of Strathclyde in 2022, I was unsure on my career path. I became aware of the Year in Industry programme offered at ScottishPower through contacts in the business, and after a successful interview, I was lucky enough to secure a role in People and Organisation (HR) within the Organisational Capability team. Through my year-long placement, I worked alongside an experienced team and was involved in a variety of workstreams relating to Talent, Leadership and Learning. Specifically, I supported in developing our people and leaders in the business to help them thrive at work.

Through my experience on the programme, I realised how much I valued working with people and knew I wanted to continue my career with ScottishPower. I then secured my current role in ScottishPower Renewables as a Workforce Planner, where I work closely with our trainee population to help manage their programmes and ensure their successful development for their future at ScottishPower. Our team also support the Onshore business with resourcing and deliver the Onboarding journey for SPR, allowing me to meet our new starts and ensure they are set up for success within our business.

I would encourage anyone interested in the Year in Industry programme to apply! Not only will you gain valuable experience, it'll show where your interests lie and help you transition into the next step in your career."

Sophie McHugh

Sophie McHugh

"Following the completion of my Environmental Management degree I applied to the Year in Industry (YINI) programme, and I was delighted to be offered a YINI position within the Onshore Environmental Management & Compliance team in ScottishPower Renewables (SPR). During this year's placement I was exposed to all the environmental principles I learned throughout my degree in a workplace setting, I was taken on site visits, so I had practical learning opportunities and I learned new skills from my colleagues such as conducting audits, report writing and providing environmental advice.

After my YINI I applied to the Graduate Programme to which I was offered a position. I have successfully completed the two-year Graduate Programme and now in a full-time position as an EMS Reporting, Compliance and Improvement Advisor in SPR.

I would not be where I am today without the valuable experience and exposure, I gained throughout my YINI at such an early stage of my career. There is an option for almost anyone as there is such a wide variety of YINI placements available in ScottishPower."

Kate Sinclair

Kate Sinclair

testimonialpageprofile"During my second year of studying Mechanical Engineering, I was lucky enough to be successful in my application to be a Power Academy Scholar with Scottish Power Energy Networks. This scholarship programme has supported me through my studies by enhancing my education and providing financial support.  

During my first summer placement with Energy Networks, I worked alongside Project Managers and Operational Engineers to see the work that goes into maintaining and modernizing the grid. This has enhanced my knowledge of the power industry and shown me real life examples that link to what I have studied at university.  

The Power Academy offers a bursary to scholars to support you through university and a summer seminar with all students and companies involved. Last year, the seminar was held in Birmingham where I attended three company workshops, interactive panel sessions and a dinner with speakers. This event is a fantastic opportunity to network with peers and gain further insight on the future of the energy sector. 

Along with a diverse range of placements during university there is the opportunity to join the graduate programme so you can really see a career path form from the Power Academy."

 

Gavin Kitching

Gavin Kitching

testimonialpageprofile"After leaving school early, I was very fortunate to be offered a Year in Industry (YINI) contract with SP Energy Networks (SPEN). While I already knew I had an interest in engineering, this year opened my eyes to the field of power engineering. Upon completing my YINI, I returned to my academic pursuits and had the great privilege of attending the University of Strathclyde to study Electrical and Electronic Engineering with International Studies. 

I am incredibly grateful to SPEN, who, through their involvement with the Power Academy scheme, awarded me a scholarship from my first year through to my final year. This provided me with invaluable industry exposure and the opportunity to develop real, in-demand practical skills. One of the greatest benefits, however, was the ability to draw on my summer placements as opportunities to see the theoretical concepts taught at university applied in the real world. This closed the learning cycle for me and consolidated my knowledge and understanding year after year. 

As a Power Academy scholar, I witnessed ScottishPower’s dedication to their scholars. Not only do they provide practical work placements, but their financial support also allows for greater focus on university studies, reducing the need to balance a part-time job. Furthermore, their commitment to scholars remained steadfast during the Covid pandemic, and personally, they accommodated my summer placement despite the different university term times during my international studies."

Jessica Greig

Jessica Greig

testimonialpageprofile"I was offered a place on the Year in Industry Programme following successful completion of a summer placement within the Sustainability team at SP Energy Networks. For me, it was the perfect next step following graduation from university and allowed me to further develop my professional skills whilst applying the knowledge gained from my Environmental Management course. I worked within a very welcoming team who were forthcoming with support and guidance, enabling me to undertake new work challenges and grow as an individual. 

I am grateful for the collective placements I undertook within SPENs sustainability team and would absolutely recommend getting involved with the programme. Completing the various placements at SPEN successfully set me up for taking on a permanent role within ScottishPower Renewables. " 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kay Pocock

Kay

Kay, SP Energy Networks Graduate (2022/23 Scholar)“After completely my bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, I knew I wanted to further my education and obtain a master’s degree with a focus on sustainability. With the support of the ScottishPower Masters Scholarship Programme, in November 2023 I graduated from the University of Liverpool with an MSc in Sustainable Civil and Structural Engineering.

The scholarship paired me with an industrial mentor who provided me with invaluable professional and academic support throughout my degree. My mentor was brilliant at giving me real world examples of projects she was working on, enabling me to understand how the theoretical knowledge I was gaining at university fits into industry practices.

After completely the scholarship programme, I was offered a position on the ScottishPower Graduate Programme working within SP Energy Networks. I am thoroughly enjoying learning more about the business and making professional relationships within the industry. I’m excited to see where my career with ScottishPower will lead me!”

Callum Craig

Callum Craig

Callum

“My experience on the Pre-Apprenticeship programme was brilliant and from day one you were treated with great importance.

The course is designed to target key areas for you develop and succeed in. I was well looked after, and it pushed me to my best to continue through the programme and get an apprenticeship with ScottishPower. Learning about the different trades during the programme led me to realising that being an overhead linesman was what I wanted to be.

I would recommend this course to anyone who feels like they want to be part of something bigger.”

Gustas Skultinas

Gustas Skultinas

Gustas

“I have enjoyed my time at Edinburgh College as a Pre-Apprentice. The Pre-Apprenticeship programme has been a good opportunity for me to learn new skills and broaden my knowledge.

This experience has helped me in my overhead lines apprenticeship as I have a better understanding of the abilities I need, and I have also been trained in the basics of the other trades offered within ScottishPower. This allows me to appreciate the other members of the company and greatly improves my work ethic and understanding of ScottishPower as a whole - not just the trade I am in.”

Claire Divers

Claire Divers

Claire Divers"After the Pandemic, and becoming a mother, I applied to the Returners Programme late 2022 in the hope of finding a career that was more aligned to my current lifestyle.

My CV demonstrated a wide and varied skillset having come from an advertising account manager background, something the Returners team welcomed and knew where to place me.

Following an interview with the SP Energy Networks Stakeholder Engagement and Comms team I was offered a role in their Partnerships and Net Zero Fund team in Feb 2023. From the get-go my manager, colleague and wider team welcomed me, supported me, and made my return to the workplace exceed all expectations.

I was further supported by Returners events, where I could talk with my fellow cohort, sharing experiences and advice as well as having 1-2-1’s with a dedicated mentor and Returners contact.

After 7 quick months of working in the team I was offered a full-time contract, which I gladly accepted. I know I am very fortunate to say I enjoy coming to work every day, as each day is different. From interacting with a variety of stakeholders, to helping communities we serve, or developing STEM and Safety programmes for the next generation, I consider myself very fortunate to be part of an amazing organisation which gave me the opportunity to return to employment and supported me every step of the way."

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