Our Portsmouth-based team member Andrew Hurdle is ‘still coming back down to earth’ after winning a major industry award this week.
Andrew has been named ‘Power Industry Apprentice of the Year’ at 2024's Energy and Utility Skills Awards, which were held on Tuesday evening in Birmingham. He was presented with his trophy by TV presenter and comedian Josh Widdicombe.
Andrew’s SSEN story is one of hard work and commitment, which will inspire other adult learners who may be looking to move from their current career, into one of our diverse array of roles as the electricity sector grows in order to meet net zero targets.
ABOVE: Andrew (left) with his fellow SSE nominees who were also up for the award of Power Industry Apprentice of the Year
Andrew now works as one of our Operational Planners, keeping the grid in central southern England running smoothly. He joined the Network Operator back in 2021 on its Electrical Power Network Engineer Programme, after many years working in SSE’s contracting division. The three-year apprenticeship programme Andrew has just completed has set him on a path to a career as an engineer with us.
Andrew says:
“I was initially shocked when I saw my name appear on the big screen - and I was still taken aback when I got back to my seat! My colleagues who were also nominated have all achieved so much, so I really didn’t expect to win.
"Thanks to the help of so many people, I feel I’ve come a long way since I started as an apprentice, and this recognition will spur me on to keep growing. I wouldn’t have been in with a shout of winning this award without the continued support and knowledge that I have received over the last few years from everyone at SSEN”.
ABOVE: Andrew (centre) was presented with his award by TV presenter and comedian Josh Widdicombe (left), and John Tyler (right) from National Grid, who sponsored this category.
The award judges were full of praise for Andrew’s achievements, saying:
“Andrew is a great example of the incredible opportunities that apprenticeships can offer for career growth and personal development. His dedication and effort have not only allowed him to excel in his role but also to go above and beyond in representing his company and inspiring others.
“Andrew actively shares his experiences at careers fairs, encouraging others to join apprenticeship schemes and inspiring the next generation of engineers. He also supports fellow apprentices and motivates them to fully embrace their apprenticeship experience.”
SSEN’s Director of Customer Operations for central southern England, Eliane Algaard says:
“We’re so proud of Andrew. His winning this award is a testament to his hard work, positive attitude, and approach to his own personal development. Our industry is at a pivotal moment; we’re growing massively as we move forward with the investment that will help meet our net zero targets, and people like Andrew coming into the business and gaining the skills we need are vital.
"I’d like to thank the team here at SSEN who run our Early Careers programme for creating the foundations for people like Andrew to realise their potential.”