Powersystems is proud to celebrate National Apprenticeship Week (9–15 February 2026) by shining a spotlight on the vital role apprenticeships play in developing skills, supporting economic growth and building a future-ready workforce.
Now in its 19th year, National Apprenticeship Week is the UK’s biggest celebration of apprenticeships and skills. It highlights how high-quality training opens doors to rewarding careers, helps businesses address critical skills gaps and supports long-term growth across industries.
At Powersystems, apprenticeships are central to our success. By investing in people and providing real-world learning opportunities, we empower the next generation of engineers while strengthening our business for the future.
One such success story is Theo Downer, an Electrical Apprentice at Powersystems, whose journey demonstrates the value apprentices bring to both individuals and employers.
Celebrating National Apprenticeship Week 2026
At Powersystems, our apprentices are at the heart of what we do.
Electrical Apprentice Theo Downer is a great example of how apprenticeships build confidence, develop real skills and create exciting engineering careers. By combining hands-on experience at Powersystems with college learning at Eastleigh College, Southampton, Theo is helping to shape a skilled, future-ready workforce. Apprenticeships open doors, break down barriers and help businesses grow — and we’re proud to support them.
Theo joined Powersystems after completing his A-Levels, drawn by the company’s professionalism, strong safety culture and pride in high-quality engineering. Since joining, he has developed a wide range of technical and professional skills, including electrical theory, panel design, CAD, time management and problem-solving.
Through hands-on experience in the panel shop, Theo has contributed to the design, build and commissioning of protection panels, worked closely with experienced engineers and delivered innovative solutions that have added real value to live projects. His initiative in designing and installing practical engineering improvements, as well as developing a fault-finding training rig for future apprentices, highlights the impact apprentices can have across the business.
Theo’s apprenticeship also combines structured college learning with on-the-job training, reinforcing technical knowledge while building confidence, independence and professional capability.
Reflecting on his experience, Theo says:
“An apprenticeship has given me the opportunity to learn, contribute and grow within a professional engineering environment. The support from colleagues and the trust I’ve been given to take responsibility have made a huge difference to my development.”
During National Apprenticeship Week 2026, Powersystems is celebrating apprentices like Theo who are helping to drive innovation, excellence and skills development across the organisation.
By supporting apprenticeships, Powersystems is not only investing in individual careers but also helping to break down barriers to opportunity, strengthen the engineering sector and build the skilled workforce needed for the future.
We are proud to support National Apprenticeship Week and encourage businesses, educators and young people to celebrate how apprenticeships unlock potential, create opportunity and power growth.
#NAW2026
Notes to Editors:
Contact Information:
- This article is written by Jules Daly, Marketing and Communications Manager at Powersystems.
- Email jules.daly@powersystemsuk.com Telephone 01454 318000
- Photography Copyright please credit all images used to powersystemsuk.co.uk
Powersystems are powering the transition to a sustainable future
Powersystems: The High Voltage Specialist of Choice
Powersystems is a leading employee-owned high voltage electrical engineering specialist with over 49 years of experience delivering safe, efficient, and high-quality infrastructure solutions across the UK.
As the first Lloyd’s NERS-accredited Independent Connection Provider (ICP), we have been delivering contestable grid connections up to 132 kV for over 29 years. Our trusted expertise spans the full project lifecycle—from design and installation to commissioning—supporting clients across renewable energy, utilities, and industrial sectors.
Since 2000, Powersystems has connected over 10 GW of renewable energy to the UK grid, including onshore and offshore wind, solar, hydro, tidal, and battery energy storage systems (BESS). We’ve also delivered critical infrastructure for electric vehicle charging, CHP, STOR, rotating stabilisers, and private wire networks.
Working in partnership with developers, contractors, and DNOs, we’ve connected 30% of the UK’s onshore wind farms—playing a vital role in the transition to Net Zero by 2050.
Our commitment to safety, sustainability, and innovation is embedded in our ISO-accredited integrated management systems and our ‘Priority No.1’ health and safety culture. We continue to invest in people, technology, and partnerships to remain the high voltage specialist of choice.
As an employee-owned business, Powersystems empowers every team member to contribute to our shared success. Our ownership model fosters a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement—ensuring we deliver excellence for our clients, safely and efficiently.