03 Feb 2026

Human interest North West

Power network operator recognised with highly coveted apprentice award

Rebekah Powell, Stephanie Trubshaw, Chris Havard and Sarah Coleman

The North West’s power network operator has been recognised for its outstanding commitment to developing apprentices.  

SP Electricity North West has achieved the highly coveted We Invest In Apprentices, gold standard accreditation for its ongoing commitment to developing its next generation of talent.  

More than 120 apprentices sit within SP Electricity North West as the business continues to lay a foundation for its and the region’s future. The firm is well under way with its £2bn business plan which will see growth across its network as technologies such as heat pumps and vehicles chargers are adopted and reliance on electricity increases.  

Stephanie Trubshaw, SP Electricity North West’s chief operating officer, said: “We’re incredibly proud of our apprenticeship programme and to be recognised with a gold standard accreditation further enhances the scheme.  

“The standard covers our long-term commitment to our apprentice programme and the diversity of our apprentices, as well as the pay and support we offer throughout the scheme. This accreditation highlights the hard work of colleagues across our business who champion early careers development and ensure apprentices achieve the highest quality training.”  

As part of the process, an Investors in People consultant visited SP Electricity North West on numerous occasions speaking with members of the early careers team, mentors, training providers and apprentices.  

Detailed surveys were also completed as well as attending key events in the apprentice calendar such as welcome event, inductions, residentials and award ceremonies.  

Chris Havard, who oversees SP Electricity North West’s apprenticeship programme, added: “This accreditation demonstrates that we not only meet but vastly exceed best practice for delivering apprenticeships. 

“We’re incredibly proud of the talented individuals and teams we have developed to deliver the energy system we all need in the future.  

“Utilities is a fast-paced, developing industry with countless opportunities available. There’s no better time to join us and even more so after we’ve been recognised with this gold accreditation.”