Foundation to 40: apprentices old and new celebrate National Apprenticeship Week 2026
Electricity workers at both ends of the career journey have declared engineering apprenticeships are a job for the past, present, and future – in the run up to National Apprenticeship Week 2026 (February 9-15).
Tony Skerry, 67, an overhead linesperson based in King’s Lynn, Norfolk, has worked for over 50 years at UK Power Networks, starting as an apprentice in 1975 at what was the Eastern Electricity Board. He is a specialist ‘hot glove’ linesperson safely dealing with power cables carrying high voltage electricity all over the region.
Marcel Lopez, 25, joined as an apprentice last year and is training as a cable jointer in Peterborough, Cambridgeshire. He is the first person in his family to enter an apprenticeship.
As part of the firm’s ‘Foundation to 40’ focus on foundation and experienced apprenticeships, the pair have reflected on beginning their apprenticeships decades apart, united by how much more the world now relies on electricity to quietly and reliably keep daily lives running smoothly.
UK Power Networks currently employs more than 300 apprentices across the business, including over 100 in ‘craft’ roles as cable jointers, linespeople, or substation fitters. The company plans to recruit another 30 craft apprentices in 2026, and has more than 300 staff in its 40+ Club having served four decades or more.
Marcel said: “I have respect for people who have a lot of knowledge, that have been here, such as Tony, for 50 years, building and maintaining the electricity network. I feel like those people have the enthusiasm to teach you as well.
“A prospective apprentice should focus on respect and enthusiasm. An important part of apprenticeships at UK Power Networks is the passing on of knowledge, that’s the main part for me. I think the passing of knowledge is extremely important when it comes to keeping the lights on and helping the UK reach Net Zero.”
Tony said: “I’ve been here 50 years and apprentices were around long before that. A lot of the apprentices I started with, and more modern apprentices, have gone onto much higher things within the company including becoming directors.
“Some of my most memorable moments have been when we were able to represent the company outside our area, such as helping out other networks during storms, and when we travelled to the United States to compete in linespeople competitions in Kansas.
“For any prospective apprentices I would recommend they come in with an open mind, and an ability to learn and listen. It’s not just a 9-5 job, you will have the opportunity to work in all hours and in all conditions with your teammates.”
To see Tony and Marcel’s Foundation to 40 video, check out UK Power Networks on social media next week.
