Marking #WorldEnergyDay with Our Academy Trainees

Today is World Energy Day!

The 22nd of October offers a chance to celebrate something that we often take for granted; reliable energy supplies that keep our lights on and our world in motion. As 2025 marks the first year that renewables have overtaken coal as the world’s largest source of electricity, we thought that there was no better time to acknowledge the hard work that goes into ensuring that our transmission systems remain fit for the consumers of today, and the challenges of tomorrow.

Of course, none of this would be possible without a next generation of eager trainees waiting in the wings, ready to learn skills that will keep them at the forefront of the UK energy transition for years to come. One such trainee is our own Finlay Gibbons; having started with the Omnia Academy this September, Finlay is already gaining valuable on-site experience at some of the country’s most cutting-edge T&D projects.

Last week, Finlay enjoyed a hands-on learning experience with our expert team member, PCSM Mick Varey, at Thorpe Marsh 400kV substation. Finlay assisted with the topographical and ground penetrating radar survey works as part of our FEED for the National Grid Infrastructure works to provide a 33kV connection from an SGT tertiary.

We caught up with Finlay to see how he’s enjoying his Academy experience so far. “I never could have imagined doing this back in September,” he said. “Omnia were crucial in getting me my National Grid Persons Authorisation, meaning that I’ve been able to get out on site a lot quicker than I thought I would. Getting to see a live substation and learning how works are planned and managed has been something that I’ve really enjoyed, and I’m looking forward to doing a lot more of it.”

And the best part? “Getting to work alongside Mick is something that you can’t get in a classroom - someone who really knows their stuff and understands how best to teach up-and-comers like me. The chance to learn on-the-job from the people who really know our industry inside-out isn’t something you’ll find anywhere else!”

So, this World Energy Day, let’s celebrate those engineers who keep our energy supplies reliable, sustainable, and efficient - and those trainees who’ll keep our industry bright for years to come!