ScottishPower’s road to net zero being driven by new skill apprentices
Energy firm ScottishPower has been delivering apprenticeship programmes since the late 1950s.
However, along with the sector, ScottishPower has an ageing workforce and needs to develop new talent – as a result the sector developed the Scottish craft-related Modern Apprenticeship in 2012.
From the introduction of this Modern Apprenticeship to a record intake of apprentices, graduates and trainees this year, the firm is investing in developing the young workforce. They are now delivering apprenticeship across a number of vocational disciplines.
Identifying that ageing workforce – for example at Craft and Engineer level, four out of five employees will retire in the next 15 years – combined with a need for new skills, formed the basis of a new apprenticeship strategy by Glasgow-based energy company ScottishPower.
By working with apprentices we are able to play an active role in moulding our workforce, delivering the vital skills needed to help the business grow. Investing in apprentices' careers increases the chances of upskilling.
Andy Sturgeon
ScottishPower Development and Funding Coordinator
Currently ScottishPower has 58 Modern Apprentices and five Graduate Apprentices, just the latest phase of a significant commitment which resulted in the company winning the Large Employer of the Year – Promoting Diversity category at this year’s Scottish Apprenticeship Awards.
ScottishPower Development and Funding Coordinator Andy Sturgeon said: “Looking back to 2012, nothing in Scotland existed for apprenticeships for the company – what began then as a five-year plan to address our ageing workforces has grown into what we have today.”
Since 2012, in Scotland alone the company has recruited 186 Craft Apprentices, 18 Project Management Apprentices, and five Graduate Apprentices across Quantity Surveying, Cyber Security and Digital Systems. The firm prides itself in having a current apprentice retention rate of 95%.
Andy said: “By working with apprentices we are able to play an active role in moulding our workforce, delivering the vital skills needed to help the business grow. Investing in apprentices' careers increases the chances of up-skilling.”
Critical to the success of ScottishPower’s development of its’ apprentices is the provision of additional learning to develop technical, behavioural and important, transferable work skills.
Andy continued: “We really strive to enrich the experience of our learners and have a number of ways by which we do that. For example, our Brathay Development initiative, a five-day external, residential programme, provides a unique opportunity for development in teamwork, problem solving, risk assessment, creative thinking, and techniques to understand the impact behaviour and attitude has on work performance.
“We also invest in a volunteering programme, all employees receiving two days to understand more about the communities we serve, while in Technical Training all Craft Apprentices will receive on average 127 days of training which is at least 60% above what is required for the apprenticeship.”
Our plans need to take account of a number of complex current and future demands. Given how quickly the energy sector is changing, technological advancements and political uncertainties, we also need to make sure that we’re adaptable to change, in case the future energy system turns out differently to what we’ve planned for.
Andy Sturgeon
ScottishPower Development and Funding Coordinator
Over 12,000 employers support Scottish Apprenticeships, which are work-based learning opportunities or jobs with industry-recognised qualifications. Designed with employers for employers, Scottish Apprenticeships are demand-led and responsive to regional skills needs.
Andy said: “Our plans need to take account of a number of complex current and future demands. Given how quickly the energy sector is changing, technological advancements and political uncertainties, we also need to make sure that we’re adaptable to change, in case the future energy system turns out differently to what we’ve planned for.
“The plan at present highlights we need to recruit over 700 new recruits. Apprenticeships are at the heart of this recruitment which is why, in 2022, we will see the highest ever number of apprentices, graduates & trainees being recruited with over 250 people joining the business.”
Scottish Apprenticeship Week
The winner of the Large Employer of the Year category sponsored by Balfour Beatty will be revealed at the Scottish Apprenticeship Awards, which is organised by Skills Development Scotland and set to take place during Scottish Apprenticeship Week from 7-11 March.
Find out more about the award finalists and the event by visiting www.apprenticeships.scot/awards