Ten years ago, Energy & Environment Awards (formerly EUIAS) delivered England’s first ever End-point Assessment of the newly introduced Apprenticeships Standards as a result of the reforms from the Richard Review. This milestone marked a turning point in England’s apprenticeship system, demonstrating how employer‑designed apprenticeship standards would strengthen national capability in critical infrastructure and set a new benchmark for quality and trust in apprenticeship outcomes.
In 2016, 16 apprentices at UK Power Networks became the very first to complete the employer-designed Power Network Craftsperson apprenticeship. These apprentices trained as electricity cable jointers, supporting the electricity network’s resilience and the early roll-out of smart electricity systems across the UK.
At the time, Basil Scarsella, Chief Executive Officer of UK Power Networks, said:
“I’m delighted our apprentices’ hard work has paid off. Their success really demonstrates the business case for offering apprenticeships… This new standard and the successful completion by 15 of our team will enable our business to progress with a more qualified, highly trained and efficient workforce. I am extremely proud of their achievements.”
Rachel Thomas, Managing Director of Energy & Environment Awards states:
“Ten years after we delivered England’s first end-point assessment of the new apprenticeship standards, we can see the real legacy in the apprentices who are now keeping our electricity networks and people safe. As the specialist awarding organisation for the energy and utilities sector, Energy & Environment Awards is proud to deliver assessments that turn training into recognised competence.”
Evolving standards that support a changing sector
Since those first assessments, the original Power Network Craftsperson apprenticeship has evolved into three specialised apprenticeships, each funded at the maximum £27,000 band:
- Power Industry Substation Fitter Level 3
- Power Industry Overhead Linesperson Level 3
- Power Industry Distribution Cable Jointer Level 3
Energy & Environment Awards: Driving Excellence Through End-Point Assessments and Qualifications
Over the last decade, Energy & Environment Awards has continued to expand its EPA portfolio, supporting employers across England with high-quality, consistent, and industry-recognised assessment services, including:
- Electrical Power Networks Engineer Level 4
- Gas Network Operative Level 2
- Water Network Operative Level 2
- Maintenance and Operations Engineering Technician (MOET) Level 3
These assessments play an essential role in building the UK’s skilled workforce for net zero and the renewable energy transition, aligning directly with the priorities set out in the Energy & Utility Skills Strategy 2025–2030.
As part of the Energy & Utility Skills Group, the Energy & Environment Awards organisation brings together safety critical and technical EPAs, qualifications and industry-recognised skills programmes to strengthen sector capability and ensure safe, reliable services for millions of people across the UK.
