Power System Engineer

Championing social mobility to create opportunities for everyone to succeed.

Social mobility should be championed, creating opportunities for everyone to succeed.

Leo first came across National Grid through the Pathways to Progress Access route, created by National Grid and Young Enterprise where he joined us for a business taster week and undertook a two week work experience placement. This gave him the confidence to apply for the Early Careers Apprenticeship scheme as a Power System Engineer.

Hear his story below on why he's championing social mobility to create opportunities for everyone to succeed.

How long have you worked for National Grid?

I joined National Grid through the higher apprenticeship programme in 2023 as part of the electrical power network engineers as a power system engineer.

Can you tell us about your role?

As a Power System Engineer, I design and plan our network while ensuring live operations are safe, secure, reliable and efficient for our customers and consumers.

What does a typical day look like for you?

I could be studying at Aston University, training at Eakring or working at National Grid House in Warwick, to support massive projects helping to deliver our future infrastructure that will enable the energy transition and net zero.

What inspired you to join National Grid?

After finding out my wife was pregnant with twin girls, I knew I needed a stable income so I could provide for my family. I first came across National Grid through the Pathways to Progress programme (one of National Grid’s Social Mobility Programmes with Young Enterprise) that supports people from disadvantaged groups. This programme gave me multiple opportunities, including a placement at National Grid Ventures. From this experience, I was encouraged to apply for an apprenticeship and was supported by Young Enterprise, which led me to secure this role.

National Grid has supported my personal growth through helping me get a diagnosis for my dyslexia, meaning I could gain the support I needed at university.

Since joining National Grid what support have you received?

Since joining, National Grid has supported my personal growth through helping me get a diagnosis for my dyslexia, meaning I could gain the support I needed at university and in my work, which has taken me from a student lacking confidence, self-belief and struggling with mental health, to a father of twin girls and a husband. While professionally, the apprenticeship has given me opportunities to develop, such as studying at Aston University for my foundation degree in electrical power engineering; completing courses from the Institute of Asset Management (IAM) and the Institute of Occupational Heath and Safety (IOSH). In addition, I’ve also become a member of the Social Mobility Advisory Board – helping me become a power system engineer, apprentice and social mobility advocate.

What’s your experience been of our culture?

I think our culture is embedded in our values and DEI commitments. I am proud to see that we live our values, every day. I have seen this in our many Employee Resource Groups, DEI events, and all the people we have supported through Pathways to Progress and Grid for Good initiatives.

You were recently shortlisted for Apprentice of the Year at the Multicultural Apprenticeship Awards 2025 (MCAA) - what does this mean to you?

I am so proud to be one of the 10 finalists in the Engineering and Manufacturing category out of a total of over 500 applicants. It is a privilege to be amongst some amazing talent!

The MCAA, to me, embodies the celebration of apprentices who have overcome adversity and challenges to not only succeed in their chosen field but also excel. I have gained so much from my apprenticeship that I am pleased that the awards also promote apprenticeships and their benefits to both employees and employers throughout a wide range of industries. The awards underscore the significance of DEI to companies and industries, enabling more individuals from diverse backgrounds to receive recognition and secure apprenticeships. I believe the awards offer a platform for individuals from underrepresented groups to make their mark and demonstrate their ability to achieve great things. The unity we all create from celebrating one another is what I find so inspiring about the awards.

What’s been a memorial moment for your so far?

Being invited to join the Social Mobility Advisory Board. We aim to highlight areas where we can do the right thing and make a difference, and position the company by increasing our efforts in supporting individuals and groups. To make it happen for people who really need these opportunities and finding a better way to reach new pools of talent.

We also recently held our social mobility celebration event, where we invited our partnered charity organisations that help make the Pathway to Progress routes of Accelerate (STEM Returners), Access (Young Enterprise and Catch 22) and Excel (Generating Genius). We also had over 50 students who were finishing their two and six-week placements that came through Pathways to Progress.

Any final reflections?

My personal experience with social mobility has led me to see firsthand the importance of community investment programmes and charitable organisations in providing individuals with opportunities and representation who genuinely need them. I want every young person to realise they have the strengths and characteristics to secure a role in their chosen industry. Social Mobility should be championed and supported by all companies, creating opportunities for everyone to succeed. My story and work will be an example for young people to see that they can achieve even greater heights. I want to expand this message and create a platform for individuals to realise their strengths and achieve beyond what they thought was possible.

My story and work will be an example for young people to see that they can achieve even greater heights.