National Grid inspires 147,000 students to STEM careers
A five-year initiative under the London Power Tunnels project reached over 180 schools, promoting STEM and green energy careers while generating $8.4 M in social value.
Image for illustrative purposes
UK: National Grid’s nationwide schools outreach programme has inspired more than 147,000 students to explore careers in STEM and green energy, surpassing its initial goal of 100,000 participants. The $2.4 M (£1.8 M) initiative, launched in 2020 in partnership with Connectr, aimed to boost social mobility and close skills gaps by engaging underrepresented young people across the UK.
Over five years, the programme reached students aged 11–18 in more than 180 schools and colleges across 67 local authorities, including 33,000 students in London boroughs along the London Power Tunnels (LPT) route. More than 700 students completed work placements, while thousands more accessed free, curriculum-linked resources that will remain available as part of the project’s legacy.
The effort was supported by over 200 volunteers from National Grid and its delivery partners – Hochtief-Murphy Joint Venture, Balfour Beatty, Linxon, and Taihan – who contributed more than 1,600 hours to mentoring, workshops, and career talks. Feedback from participants showed that 93 % felt better informed about the energy sector, 95 % clearer about future options, and 64 % more likely to pursue a career in energy.
The programme’s socioeconomic impact is estimated at $8.4 M (£6.3 M), including benefits from reducing the risk of students becoming NEET (not in education, employment, or training). Notably, 71 % of participants identified as ethnic minorities and 58 % as female or non-binary, with two-thirds of schools engaged serving disadvantaged communities.
Joe Senior, Project Director for LPT, said the initiative demonstrates how early engagement can shape the workforce of the future: “By engaging students from diverse backgrounds, the LPT team and Connectr have helped shape brighter futures while strengthening the talent pipeline for tomorrow’s green workforce.”
One participant, Divine Kuteesa, has since joined National Grid full-time as an assistant engineer after a 21-week placement that changed her career path. “A National Grid workshop gave me the motivation to keep studying and explore my future. Now I am part of the team helping to rewire London,” Divine said.
The London Power Tunnels project, worth $1.3 B (£1 B), is reinforcing the capital’s electricity network through deep underground tunnels. National Grid plans to recruit 2,300 graduates and apprentices over the next five years as part of its broader effort to strengthen the UK’s green energy workforce.
Source: National Grid
#apprenticeships#Balfour Beatty#Connectr#Divine Kuteesa#Hochtief-Murphy Joint Venture#Joe Senior#Linxon#London Power Tunnels#National Grid#renewable energy#STEM education#Taihan