Prior Power Solutions has been shortlisted for the EEEGR (East of England Energy Group) Skills for Energy Community Award, sponsored by OPITO.

The company has, for many years, committed a lot of time to supporting and growing the skills base of the next generation of the energy sector. When we rebranded in 2020, we said it was “more than a name change”, it represented a wider culture change and broad embrace of sustainability.

This year, we upped our game somewhat, supporting a total of 17 students: a mixture of work experience students from several Great-Yarmouth high schools, T-level students through UTCN, and apprentices through East Coast and Reaseheath Colleges. This was a planned effort to increase our support and help as many local young people as we can gain real industry experience.

Work experience students were given a great all-round overview of the business shadowing engineers and participating in roles within our production/engineering, service, and parts departments. They had exposure of fabrication, AUTOCAD design, diesel engine maintenance, service, and repairs. A real eye-opener at all the opportunities they have.

Ethan and Bailey, our Engineering and Welding & Fabrication apprentices are nearing the end of their studies and have developed amazingly over their years with us, taking significant workplace changes induced by Covid in their stride. They have been an asset to the business with Ethan winning Apprentice of the Year – Welding and Fabrication with East Coast College in 2021.

Jai, one of our three Volvo Penta Industrial Apprentices was highly commended in the national Construction Plant-Hire Association ‘Stars of the Future’ awards this year – recognised for his advanced practical ability and commitment. Jai is another asset to the business, providing exceptional service to customers.

As a member of NAAME, New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership’s Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering Group, Prior Power Solutions also supported the inaugural Engineering Skills Bootcamp this summer, providing adult learners with an insight into local engineering careers.

Last year we were also able to support an intern through the Ogden Trust Coastal Energy Internship Partnership – an individual who now has full time employment in the industry in Great Yarmouth. It just shows that these initiatives are not just tick boxes or feel-good factors, they are things that really make a difference. A difference to the individual, to the host company, and to the local economy, because if we do not retain talent in this area and industry, there will be no future.

Committing to 17 students this year – representing a fifth of our workforce – is more than a number, it’s making a difference and it’s the best form of workforce sustainability.