PEOPLE in Carmarthen East and Dinefwr should look to see if apprenticeship roles in the UK energy sector are right for them, according to a local MP.

Jonathan Edwards, MP for the region, is highlighting the apprenticeship roles in programmes run by National Grid, the owner of the electricity transmission network in England and Wales.

The roles will help the UK achieve its net zero target as research done by National Grid shows that the UK energy sector needs to recruit for 400,000 jobs across the country between now and 2050 to achieve this target.

Apprentices will be key to filling the roles – which include connecting low carbon sources of energy to the network, preparing for the wide-spread roll out of electric vehicles and low-carbon heat and innovating across new technologies needed for an increasingly flexible energy system.

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Mr Edwards said: “Energy sector apprenticeships can enable young people to become part of the generation delivering the UK’s clean energy transition. Through a mix of studying at university and practical training at National Grid’s facilities, apprentices can develop life-long skills and kickstart a meaningful career.

“I encourage anyone looking for a job that will provide on-going training and development, and contribute to creating a secure, affordable and clean energy future, to explore these schemes today.”

Jade Kimpton, an apprentice at National Grid, said: “There’s never been a more critical time to join the energy sector and be part of the clean energy transition.

"We’re in a transformational era focused on bringing more renewables onto the grid that will cut carbon emissions, bring down bills and improve security of supply – and in the years ahead we’ll need more people with different experiences to accelerate the transition to cleaner energy.”

National Grid is hiring for the apprenticeship programmes which offer opportunities to foster and shape the skills needed for a secure, affordable and clean energy future through studying and hands-on experience.

The deadline for the apprenticeship programmes is February 26.