Engineering students go behind the scenes

Engineering students from Loughborough College were given a glimpse behind the scenes at National Grid Electricity Distribution when they spent a day at its Midlands nerve centre.

The 15 students learned about the role of electricity distribution and spent time in the Control Centre where engineers work 24/7 to control and monitor the vast electricity network using the latest computer technologies.

They were also given a tour of the site and visited the Contact Centre where staff respond to calls and queries around the clock from our eight million customers.

During the day, the students were set a team challenge to design and build a working pylon carrying electric cables from a substation to a customer’s home. Team members took on specific roles and responsibilities to help overcome problems and deliver the brief.

The students’ visit was organised as part of the Grid for Good programme which delivers training and employment opportunities for young people, many of whom come from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Jim Driscoll, Control Team Manager, said: “The visit was a great opportunity for us to showcase just some of the career opportunities that are available for young people at National Grid and to demystify some the roles we carry out, like those in our Control Centre.

“Hopefully, the visit will inspire more young people to consider a career with us, helping to deliver excellent service for our customers and a smart, flexible network to support the UK’s net zero targets.”