The evolution of our electricity network

An enthusiastic economics student is experiencing the evolution of our electricity network first hand on his placement year. 

Tom Ardron, lives in Pontefract, is currently an External Affairs Analyst for Northern Powergrid, joining the company last May on his placement year.

The 20-year-old is studying Economics at Loughborough University but fell in love with working at the region’s largest electricity distribution network back in 2022.

Tom did a summer internship in the Energy Systems department during a transitionary period.

The department had been newly formed and there were lots of new staff, new processes, and new ways of working.

He took this opportunity to learn as much as he could about the business and the people that worked there, something that really interested him.

Tom kept in touch with some key people in the business whilst at university and then the opportunity came up for him to do his placement year in the External Affairs department. 

Although the role isn’t typically what you’d expect for an Economics student, Tom jumped at the chance to get involved in important regulatory work across the region.

Tom is currently the only industry placement student at Northern Powergrid and is inspiring other departments to get young people involved in their business area whilst providing an invaluable year of experience.

Tom said “Whether it's government changes or policy regulatory changes, our team need to grasp it and understand how our business responds effectively.

“We talk to some senior government officials about how our network is improving and how we are investing in the region.

“In this role the answer is never in front of you, you’ve got to do research and analysis to work out how the policy or regulation is going to affect the business in the future.

“Although this is only a year’s placement, I am really enjoying my time here, I know that what I am doing has great value to the business and I am developing so many skills that I know will help me in the future.

“I can see myself returning to Northern Powergrid after I finish my degree because the work is so rewarding and critical. 

“There is a longevity working in a business like Northern Powergrid, we’ve been around for over 125 years, and we will be around for plenty more as customer and network needs change.”

Dave Wilkins, Head of External Affairs at Northern Powergrid, said “Tom has taken to this opportunity brilliantly. 

“While he is learning new skills and gaining experience of the day-ins and day-outs of the world of work, he is also bringing a new perspective to the work that we’re doing. 

“Not only that, but his insight is also helping us shape the offer we make to people considering working here, particularly those at a similar stage in life to Tom.

“Our organisation is at the heart of enabling economic growth and establishing the long-term pathway to cleaner, cheaper and secure energy for everyone. 

“In External Affairs, we’re engaging broadly with key figures and policy makers on exactly that – and Tom is playing a part in that, how many people get to say that about a year-in-industry placement?

“He’s a good lad who we’re fortunate to have around the place and I really hope we can continue this working relationship after Tom graduates, he has become an asset to the team and Northern Powergrid.”

Find out more about the roles and responsibilities of Northern Powergrid, visit their website.