FIVE young people are looking forward to a bright new career after signing up for apprenticeships with energy giant SSE.

Luke Wiltshire, Richard Hatton, both 21, Ricky Doran, 20, Damon Brewerton, 17 and Tom Footitt, 20, are training for a variety of roles, including power systems engineers, electricians and other technical skills based at the company’s Yarnton depot.

Mr Hatton, 21, from Witney, will be working for the power distribution part of the business and has started his apprenticeship after three years working in the construction industry.

He said: “I’ve always wanted to be an electrician and so when I saw this opportunity, I thought I’d apply.

“It was not just the variety in the role that interested me, but also the range of electrical equipment I’ll be working on.”

The new recruits were whittled down from more than 6,000 who originally applied for jobs with SSE. Gary Hamilton, who heads SSE’s training programmes, said: “There is an increasing need for skilled people in many areas as the industry satisfies demand for energy in all its different forms.

“It is absolutely vital that we continue to invest in our people.”

Since 2007, more 600 apprentices have graduated through the SSE apprenticeship programme.