Prism Power boosts apprenticeships to tackle skills gap

Prism Power Group has increased its intake of apprentices as the UK power sector faces a growing shortage of experienced engineers and electricians.

The Watford-headquartered business designs and manufactures smart switchgear and critical power systems. Apprentices now account for more than 10% of its workforce. Its "earn & learn" schemes combine formal study with practical work across its factory, design and production offices, and on customer sites.

Employers across the power supply chain have raised concerns in recent years about workforce demographics, as older engineers retire and too few trained entrants replace them. Prism Power says this risks grid reliability and the delivery of complex electrical systems used in sectors such as data centres and healthcare.

Training focus

Prism Power is a Platinum member of The 5% Club, a group of employers that promotes recruitment and development for apprentices, graduates and sponsored students. The club also focuses on inclusion and accessibility in workplace training.

Adhum Carter Wolde-Lule, Director at Prism Power Group, linked the approach to building long-term capability in the market for critical power infrastructure.

"Achieving the highest possible Platinum status puts us at the forefront of workplace learning innovation and underscores our belief that investment in new people is the cornerstone of success. Each year, we still commit to taking on a new cohort of apprentices to develop a thriving young workforce that diversifies our company and influences the development and growth of engineering for the future."

He also pointed to a tightening pool of experienced specialists across the industry, particularly in roles involving system design, commissioning and maintenance.

"The critical power industry and especially data centres relies on an increasingly thin layer of people who can actually design, commission, and maintain high integrity systems, so it's imperative that we continue upskilling the next generation to help keep the lights on."

As Prism's customer base expands across industries worldwide, Carter Wolde-Lule said this is increasing pressure on recruitment and skills development.

"With the responsibility of providing high-quality, resilient and bespoke manufactured power systems to a widening range of industries worldwide, we must have a talented and engaged team behind us. Through dedicated programmes that offer hands-on learning, we are creating targeted pathways for professional growth, equipping our young staff with the skills and confidence they need to thrive and become the leading engineers of tomorrow."

Apprentice routes

Prism Power highlighted the progression of two former apprentices now working in engineering roles at the business. Their work includes workshop testing, site activity, and exposure to design-and-build processes.

Liam Ryan, 26, joined as an apprentice fitter and wireman before moving into on-site installations around the UK. He also assembled switchgear at Prism's factory, working on both mechanical and electrical elements.

Ryan is now a Test Engineer, responsible for low-voltage testing and commissioning in the workshop and on customer sites. He also carries out factory and site acceptance tests.

Prism has sponsored further study as part of his development.

"It's been a rewarding six years, with lots of opportunities coming my way and with Prism financially sponsoring me I'm also undertaking an HNC in Electrical and Electronic Engineering at Uxbridge College to further my knowledge and skills in the industry. This could also open up doors into commissioning or controls engineer roles," said Ryan.

He added that demand is rising across sectors that rely on resilient power and control systems.

"The critical power sector is booming, both here and abroad, with our skills very much in demand - so it's a great time to be involved - as it includes a variety of both established and developing industries, including data centres, hospitals, research facilities, manufacturing, schools, universities and more," said Ryan.

James Mayhew, 24, also completed an engineering apprenticeship at Prism Power. His programme included day-release study at college and rotations through design, mechanical fitting, electrical wiring and testing. Prism says this structure is intended to build a broad technical base before employees specialise.

Mayhew is now taking an Electrical Installation course at Uxbridge College, supported by Prism. He said the mix of practical and theoretical learning has helped his development.

"The pathway at Prism is great because they have structured improvement plans for their young employees involving both practical and theoretical learning. I've also developed strong teamwork, communication, and problem-solving abilities and I particularly like the on-site work where you're surrounded by new people from other companies, all working together toward a shared goal," said Mayhew.

Mayhew said he plans to specialise in electrical design and diagrams, and expects electrification trends to increase demand for skills in the sector.

"My aim is to specialise in electrical design and diagrams, but one thing for sure is the rapid shift towards electrification will continue, so I'm confident there are exciting prospects in the critical power industry, with long-term demand and opportunities for growth," said Mayhew.