10 September 2004 - More than a thousand prove their energy ambitions
More than a thousand people have gained jobs in the energy sector thanks to an innovative government initiative set up to match skills with jobs.
Two years after Ambition:Energy was launched to help plug skills gaps in the energy industry, Work and Pensions Minister Chris Pond met Stephen Robe, the thousandth person to move into work through the programme.
Mr Pond congratulated Mr Robe and his fellow trainees who recently completed the Ambition:Energy course and are now working for Balfour Beatty Utilities in the North East.
Speaking at a celebratory event to mark the milestone, Mr Pond said Ambition:Energy was a partnership between the Government and the gas industry to ensure jobseekers were equipped with the right skills for the right vacancies.
“Ambition:Energy makes sure that real career opportunities are offered to jobseekers and that employers get the right staff to fill their vacancies. This is a win-win situation.
“Stephen Robe is a perfect example of how Ambition: Energy can give people the skills they need to develop and progress,” said Mr Pond.
Mr Robe, aged 32, from Cleveland, was unemployed for 18 months before being put forward for an Ambition:Energy course by his New Deal personal adviser.
He said completing Ambition:Energy had turned his life around:
“The training programme was interesting and enjoyable and taught me new skills for the job I’m now doing for Balfour Beatty Utilities. The work has changed my life and I feel a sense of pride as I can now provide for my family,” added Mr Robe, who lives with his partner and two young children.
Brent Mitchell, Support Services Director for Balfour Beatty Utilities, said: “Training and development of our workforce is key to our business success. We have been very pleased with this programme and are delighted to be involved.’’
Tim Balcon, Chief Executive of Energy & Utility Skills, added: “We are very proud of the partnership with Jobcentre Plus and the continuous success of the Ambition:Energy programme. The courses have been designed specifically to meet employers’ needs and the proportion of trainees completing the course and gaining employment is extremely high. The dedication and determination shown by the candidates on these courses is fully commendable and we wish them every success in their future careers.”
Sir Roy Gardner, Chief Executive of Centrica and Chairman of Ambition:Energy, said: “ Ambition:Energy has benefited my organisation by attracting more diverse recruits into our engineering workforce. This in turn has encouraged more people from black and ethnic minority groups and women to apply through our recruitment channels.”
Prime Minister Tony Blair, attending in his capacity as MP for Sedgefield, congratulated them on their hard work to complete the course.
Notes for editors
- Ambition:Energy is operated in 70 locations across the country.
- In addition to gas network operatives, Ambition:Energy has helped people train and secure work as gas installers, water leakage technicians, pipefitters and gas meter exchange operatives.
- A total of 1,407 people have gained jobs through Ambition:Energy.
- The event was held at Ferryhill Leisure Centre, Ferryhill
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