Leading engineering and consultancy firm Amey has recruited 19 new trainees on its SMART Meter Diploma in South Wales, all of whom will be in jobs and out in the field by May.
Through its National Skills and Power Academy training facility and network of training partners across Wales, Scotland and England, Amey equips staff with the skills needed to perform smart gas, electricity and smart dual fuel meter installations.
After announcing it was looking for adult learners to join the thriving company in October last year, Amey was inundated with applications and interviewed 50 candidates including Tata Steel workers and former military personnel. Selected recruits are now half way through their training which includes courses at the Gas Assessment & Training Centre in Treforest.
The 19 individuals, who range from 18 years old to over 50, will provide both gas and electricity metering installation and maintenance services for npower after Amey secured a £35million contract with the energy provider in 2014.
Martin Wailes, npower Operations Manager for Amey, said: “We work closely with the industry to support the national introduction and installation of smart meters across the country in-line with the government’s target for every UK home to have a smart meter by 2020.
“The training scheme has worked extremely well, and we’re really pleased with the candidates. As the government’s scheme ramps up over the next few years, we will absolutely look to repeat this recruitment and training drive.”