SP Energy Networks’ pipeline of apprenticeships powering Scotland to a greener future
Apprenticeships at a Glasgow-based energy firm are powering the UK's journey to net zero while plugging skills gaps, improving staff retention and playing a vital role in the transition to a low-carbon energy system.
An apprenticeship pipeline enables SP Energy Networks (SPEN) to upgrade the electricity grid to meet rising demand driven by the move away from fossil fuels, as set out in the company’s five-year, £12 billion investment to strengthen the network across Scotland and support government decarbonisation targets.
SPEN’s Head of Workforce Renewals Jen Davies said: “Our apprentices don’t just train for a job – they build careers and shape the energy transition.
“Apprenticeships are essential for our business and industry. We won’t get these skills and roles from market – they don't exist unless we grow our own as they're specific to our sector.”
SPEN, with 2600 staff in Scotland, has been an apprentice employer since the late 1950s, recognising their role in addressing the STEM skills gap. It has 267 Modern and Graduate Apprentices with 120 to join this year, covering craft (overhead lines, jointing and fitting), logistics, power engineering, project management, business, quantity surveying, engineering, data science and software engineering.
SPEN will add five new pathways in AI, digital infrastructure and green technologies and a new training facility in Cumbernauld will double apprenticeship capacity by 2029.
SPEN trainee programmes, which also cover graduate and career transition, have increased from 160 in 2024 to 300 in 2025. This year, 350 trainees will be recruited to meet growth. The firm fills 50% of engineering and technical roles and 90% of field staff roles through trainee programmes.
Jen added: “As we deliver our RIIO-T3 Transmission Business Plan and support the UK’s transition to net zero, we need skilled professionals across engineering, digital and field-based roles, and to meet demand we grow our own through apprenticeships.”
SPEN apprenticeships are delivered with partner colleges and universities, following structured training plans supported by mentors. Each programme blends academic study, hands-on experience and technical training at the SPEN training centre.
Every apprentice receives a personalised development plan and a Workforce Development Lead for guidance, wellbeing and mentoring, resulting in a 96% completion rate with more than 97% staying with the firm and moving into senior positions.
Jen said: “Everyone enters with a clear end goal, and we retain all our apprentices after completion – they’re the future of our business.”
Apprenticeships help drive equality, diversity and sustainability at SPEN, with initiatives to break down barriers, including careers fairs in disadvantaged areas.
Female-only events challenge gender stereotypes and promote technical roles to women and SPEN’s Connected Women network and VIBE (Voice of Inclusion and Balanced Ethnicity) support underrepresented groups through mentorship and inclusive onboarding.
VIBE’s partnership with Black Professionals UK strengthens talent diversity while parents, carers and LGBTQ+ employees are supported by in-house initiatives.
Outreach plans include school-based work experience and career transition pathways for workers from other sectors.
Jen said: “These initiatives have delivered measurable results, especially in female trainee numbers, with an increase of 500%, from five to 64 since 2018, across engineering and craft, cyber and project management roles. It means our early career programmes now reflect the communities we serve.”
SPEN’s Global Green Employment platform connects candidates to green jobs and training, with apprentices working on real-world sustainability projects including electric vehicle infrastructure. Local recruitment and centralised training help to travel emissions.
Apprenticeships are working for Scotland by creating careers and enabling people to reach their potential, supporting employers to develop and grow their workforce and getting real returns for the economy.
There are currently around 12,000 apprentice employers in Scotland, investing in over 40,000 Foundation, Modern and Graduate Apprentices.
Jen said: “Apprenticeships are vital for Scotland, offering a pathway into meaningful careers. Apprentices, whether school leavers or career changers, earn while they learn, gaining an education alongside practical skills that make them highly employable.”
Jen is also chair of the Apprenticeship Approvals Group for Skills Development Scotland and says being nominated in the Large Employer of the Year category at the Scottish Apprenticeship Awards 2026 is recognition for apprentices nationwide.
Jen added: “The awards are about the bigger picture –it’s fantastic for our organisation and for Scotland. It raises awareness of the great work that’s going on across the country.”
SP Energy Networks is a finalist in the Large Apprentice Employer of the Year category, sponsored by SSEN Transmission, at this year’s Scottish Apprenticeship Awards in association with SP Energy Networks.
The awards take place on 26 February as the launch event for Scottish Apprenticeship Week (2 to 6 March).
Find out more about the award finalists and the event by visiting apprenticeships.scot/awards