Electricity distributor UK Power Networks has joined more than 400 UK organisations committed to EngineeringUK’s Tomorrow’s Engineers Code.
The code is a renewed pledge to increase the number and diversity of young people entering engineering and step up youth outreach.
EngineeringUK made the move following research that women make up just 16.9% of the engineering workforce, and 14% of the workforce are from UK minority ethnic backgrounds. Only 11% of engineering students are disabled, which is below the 15% average.
Four key pledges of the Tomorrow’s Engineers Code are to inspire young people through real-world, connected STEM experiences, drive inclusion by reaching underrepresented groups, showcase the breadth and significance of engineering careers and improve impact of youth outreach from evaluation and shared learning.
UK Power Networks delivers extensive youth outreach programmes including careers talks at schools, work placements, CV and interview skills, career coaching, supported by an army of employee volunteers and runs practical activities like ‘hackathons’ for young people to fire their enthusiasm.
The firm plans to work with over 3,250 young people this year, giving them a glimpse of the electricity industry. Last year hands-on experiences, together with mock assessment centres and speed networking at local colleges, resulted in over 3,000 meaningful interactions.
Apprentice Callum Grant learnt more about UK Power Networks’ apprenticeship programme at a speed networking event at his college.
Grant said:
“A lot of young people don’t know about opportunities in engineering – I think they would love these jobs, but haven’t heard about them. It’s good that UK Power Networks goes into colleges to increase awareness of these opportunities.”
Kirsty Jones also recently shared her career path, from cowgirl and zoo ranger to UK Power Networks’ apprentice substation fitter, at Tomorrow’s Engineers Live in London.
Leon Ford, head of technical training and assurance at UK Power Networks, said:
“There is so much potential for young people in engineering careers and it’s our job to make sure the next generation don’t miss out through lack of opportunity or outdated perceptions of engineering.
“We need to actively engage with underrepresented groups, show young people careers that inspire them and collaborate with other businesses to increase accessibility to engineering.”
Karen Woodward, corporate relationships manager at EngineeringUK, said:
“We’re delighted that UK Power Networks has joined our growing Tomorrow’s Engineers Code community. The organisation is a proactive, longstanding and loyal supporter of our mission to enable more young people from all backgrounds to progress into engineering and tech.
“We are proud that UK Power Networks is also part of our Corporate Membership network and we’re excited they will be joining us for the first time at The Big Bang Fair 2026. The energy industry is a critical sector we are working with, as the UK strives towards achieving net zero. We look forward to continuing our collaboration to drive change and inspire more young people into these exciting future careers.”
Picture caption: UK Power Networks employees mentoring Year 10 students ahead of GCSEs in the Future Frontiers programme which pairs students with professionals to help youngsters figure out pathways for their post-16 education.
