Utility Week

UTILITY WEEK | 25TH - 31ST JANUARY 2019 | 21 Operations & Assets the first to graduate an apprenticeship, and the sector currently delivers one in five of all graduating apprentices. This has led to utilities recovering an average of 35 per cent of their tax, against an economy average of just over 20 per cent. While many UK business sectors are yet to graduate their first apprentice, the utility sector is celebrating its 500th. Workforce Renewal and Skills Strategy The new model of partnership is supported by more than 50 key policy makers, quality and economic regulators, regulated busi- nesses, unions, supply chain and profes- sional institutes. With such wide support it created the Energy & Utilities Skills Partner- ship – with the sector's chief executives and managing directors setting the direction of executing the strategy. The strategy resulted in workforce resil- ience and recognition of the "value of human capital" being embedded for the first time in Ofwat's PR19 and Ofgem's RIIO2 price-setting approach, and in the Drinking Water Inspec- torate's (DWI's) risk-based regime. Talent Source Network Energy & Utility Skills says its new mass tal- ent attraction initiative, Talent Source Net- work, "breaks new ground", encouraging policymakers and regulators to work with employers to compete for skilled, diverse and emerging talent. The Department for Food, Environment and Rural Affairs, the Depart- ment for Work and Pensions, HM Treasury, Ofwat, Ofgem, the DWI and others are now working with the sector. The pilot year reached 1.97 million people, secured 61 per cent female enquirers, gener- ated 5,900 job applications and resulted in 2,700 people seeking new careers in utilities. Employers have changed work practices, referring unsuccessful or redeployed talent back into the workforce pool, with a 50 per cent conversion rate. The pilot year (2016/17) demonstrated £336,220 of additional value to the initial investment made. A successful year Winning the Utility Partner of the Year rounded off a year of success for Energy & Utility Skills, which included continued support for the Procurement Skills Accord from 56 sector organisations, the Energy & Utilities Independent Assessment Service celebrating 500 apprentices completing end- point assessment (now at over 700), a new partnership with the Duke of Edinburgh's Award, and Talent Source Network securing support from 25 leading sector employers as well as recognition from industry regulators. Winner's comments "My team and my board set ourselves two clear goals: make excellence the standard within our business, and deliver excellence in the eyes of our sector, through trusted partnerships. "We were awarded Investors in People Gold in November, and now feel hugely honoured to be named Utility Partner of the Year 2018. "Yet again, Utility Week has brought the sector into the spotlight through these amazing awards and shown off the best of the utility people that our economy and 66 million UK citizens rely on every single day. "Energy & Utility Skills is more committed than ever to playing its part in ensuring the high standards, sustainability and resilience of this talented workforce." NICK ELLINS, CHIEF EXECUTIVE, ENERGY & UTILITY SKILLS The Energy & Utility Skills team at the awards ceremony in December  The 2019 Utility Week Awards will be opening soon. Sponsorship opportunities are available – contact Utility Week business development manager Ben Hammond on benhammond@fav-house.com or call 01342 332116 for more information. Other shortlisted companies in this category were: • Charis • Lanes Group • Morrison Utility Services • Paypoint • Stantec Treatment • The Sigma Financial

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