A law graduate from London’s East End working as an electrical fitter is one of eight ‘bright sparks’ who have gained their Higher National Certificate in power distribution.

Shah Raja has got through two years of combining study and hands-on training with UK Power Networks.

The 35-year-old from Marsh Wall, Isle of Dogs, was already working at the company’s Camden Town depot when he decided he wanted to be an engineer.

“I went through assessments and interviews and finally got a place on the Engineering Development programme,” he recalls.

“I did sociology, law and politics at college and worked in a bank before I joined UK Power, so this was a real change of direction.

“But now the HNC part is done and dusted, thank goodness. We still have six months to go, but I’m feeling confident.”

He is one of eight graduates completing the HNC in the company’s development training scheme for engineers of the future, now joining the corp of engineers helping the company to keep the lights on in millions of homes and offices across London and the South East.