Former apprentice takes top London power role

UK Power Networks has appointed Kevin Scarpenter as head of London’s electricity network, overseeing the capital’s power supply.

Kevin, who began his career as an apprentice substation fitter in 1998, now leads the teams responsible for maintaining the city’s most resilient electricity network, which boasts a 99.99 per cent reliability rate.

Kevin, who will be based in the company’s Canning Town office, said: “I’m really excited to take on the challenge. 

“I’m proud to have started in the role of apprentice and come through to where I am now.

“Early on in my career, the career opportunities available to me were obvious as I navigated my way through the company. 

“I was very fortunate with the people around me who were supporting me. 

“They showed if I was willing, and take an interest in the company, then I had those pathways available.

“I’m most looking forward to continuing to build the performance of the London team. 

“We look after arguably the most important city in the country, also one of the best performing in terms of customer service and reliability, and we are building on that to bring in new skills and meet the demands of tomorrow’s customers.”

UK Power Networks delivers electricity to 8.5 million homes and businesses across London, the South East, and East of England. 

As the energy sector adapts to a net-zero future, the company is recruiting 57 new apprentices this year, including cable jointers, substation fitters, and overhead linespeople.

The announcement coincides with National Apprenticeship Week (10-16 February), highlighting career progression opportunities within the energy sector. 

UK Power Networks recently won three apprenticeship awards from the Department for Education and was named the UK’s #2 Best Big Company to Work For.

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