National Grid and Young Enterprise forge partnership to help 750 young people into work

750 young people aged 16-24 across the UK who are facing barriers to social mobility will be supported to progress careers in the energy industry, thanks to National Grid and national education charity Young Enterprise.

Grid for Good is National Grid’s new flagship Corporate Responsibility community investment programme, and Young Enterprise is one of the first UK based organisations to participate as a charity partner.

Sharon Davies, CEO of Young Enterprise said: “This brand new partnership between National Grid and Young Enterprise will mean that more young people will be able to explore, access and progress successful careers in the energy sector. It’s so important for young people to be provided with opportunities in school and in further and higher education to develop the work-related skills and enterprising mindset to secure and succeed in a career in the energy sector. We are very much looking forward to working with National Grid on this exciting project.”

Young Enterprise will recruit young people from its networks in schools, colleges and universities to participate in the programme and support them in gaining an insight into the world of work and the energy industry. The programme forms an integral part of the charity’s ‘No Time Like The Future’ campaign, which will create one million opportunities to help young people activate their ambition, boost inclusion among young people and mobilise 40,000 volunteers, teachers and alumni by 2023.

The new programme will form part of the wider Grid for Good programme, which includes:

  • Engaging insight events to inform young people about National Grid and the wider energy industry
  • Peer networking and industry taster sessions as part of team building exercises
  • Work readiness training
  • 12- week career mentoring programme 
  • 2 weeks work experience
  • Access to job opportunities – including apprenticeships and internships – within the energy industry
  • Strong alumni support network for people who have been through the programme

Through this partnership Young Enterprise will be able to further address the social mobility barriers faced by many young people. Offering them the chance to engage with relatable role models, providing access to quality work experience, and demystifying career paths available in the future around the growing green energy economy both at National Grid and its wider supply chain will all contribute to improved social mobility for those young people on the programme.

Dina Potter, Global Head of Grid for Good said: “At National Grid, we strive to help society achieve a low-carbon future. In order to do that, we need forward-thinking creative minds to help meet the challenges ahead. Working with Young Enterprise on the Grid for Good programme, participants can develop the skills necessary to help them become part of the new generation of talent building a clean energy future for society.”

Find out more about National Grid’s Grid for Good programme: https://www.nationalgrid.com/responsibility/community/grid-for-good