The £1.8 million programme, launched in 2020 with social enterprise Connectr and tied to the London Power Tunnels project, with the aim of boosting social mobility, closing the STEM skills gaps and helping open routes into net zero careers, has surpassed its 100,000 target.
More than 180 schools and colleges across 67 local authorities took part, including 33,000 students in boroughs along the tunnel route. Sessions mixed in-person workshops with virtual events and curriculum-linked resources that remain available to teachers.
Around 700 students completed work experience with National Grid and delivery partners Hochtief-Murphy JV, Balfour Beatty, Linxon and Taihan, with volunteers from these organisations contributing 1,600 hours of mentoring, talks and skills activities.
Student feedback points to tangible impact on choices and confidence. After taking part, 93% felt better informed about the energy industry and 64% said they were more likely to pursue a career in energy.
Work experience proved especially powerful for decision making, with around 95% reporting clearer future options and 87% saying they better understood the skills needed for STEM roles.
One participant, Divine Kuteesa from Merton College, progressed from a 21-week placement to a full-time assistant engineer role on London Power Tunnels. She now volunteers on the programme while completing a construction development pathway.
The initiative is estimated to have generated £6.3 million in socioeconomic value, including reduced risk of young people becoming NEET. Outreach focused on inclusion, with 71% of participants identifying as ethnic minorities and 58% as female or non-binary.
London Power Tunnels is a £1 billion programme strengthening the capital’s electricity network via deep tunnels that minimise surface disruption. Its social impact report since 2020 is available online, outlining methods and outcomes.
National Grid recently set out proposals to secure the skilled workforce needed for grid upgrades this decade. Plans include hiring more than 2,300 graduates and apprentices in the UK over the next five years.
