Three apprentices from Preston are getting ready to take the next step into their bright future.

Nick Fowler, Mohammad Zahid and Phillipa Crompton are celebrating their graduation from Electricity North West and are set to continue their prosperous careers.

Now joining five other apprentices, they will help to power the lives of five million people across the North West.

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They will help to maintain, develop and grow the electricity network from Manchester to Cumbria for years to come.

Electricity North West CEO, Peter Emery, joined managers and trainers from the network operator to congratulate the apprentices on their hard work and achievement.

The scheme took three years to complete at Electricity North West’s state-of-the-art training academy in Blackburn.

Peter Emery, CEO for Electricity North West, said: “We are proud of the commitment and hard work our apprentices have shown throughout their training and we’re looking forward to seeing them take the next steps in what I’m sure will be a long and successful career with us.

“These eight apprentices are the leaders of tomorrow and they will bring innovative ideas and new skills with them which are invaluable.

“It’s an exciting time to work for us as the way energy is generated, distributed and used is changing more rapidly than ever before and our graduates will help us ensure we deliver an affordable, reliable and flexible energy system for the future.”

The apprenticeship scheme is now in its 11th year.

Nick Fowler, 22, Apprentice graduate from Preston, said: “It feels great to graduate it’s been a great few years and I’ve met some great people and learnt some great skills.

“For anyone thinking about an apprenticeship scheme, especially with Electricity North West, I would definitely recommend it.

“Lots of skills can be made and nice people to be met.”

Electricity North West’s apprenticeship scheme has trained and developed over 200 apprentices in the local region.

Mohammad Zahid, 34, Apprentice graduate from Preston, said:

“I’m really happy to be graduating and I would recommend it to others, especially if you want to gain qualifications, gain practical experience and get a job at the end.

“It’s the ideal route if university isn’t for you.”

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Phillipa Crompton, 25, Apprentice graduate from Preston, said: “It feels great to get my qualification, and that all the hard work has paid off.

“I’d like to take the opportunity to thank my colleagues for their support throughout my apprenticeship.”

You can hear more from the graduates and CEO Peter Emery by watching the online video.

Do you know Electricity North West? Are you a recent graduate? Let us know in the comments below