A university student from Ilford began a year’s work with UK Power Networks under a new scheme to help plug the skills shortage in the power industry.

Business and management undergraduate, Amarpreet Ruprai, has swapped lecture halls for the office to gain practical industry experience.

She will be carrying out paid work with the business which delivers electricity supplies across London.

The former Caterham High School, Caterham Avenue, Clayhall, pupil will have the chance to get involved in real projects working with the network operations team in West Ham.

She said: “I am hoping to gain varied experience to prepare me for the working environment, develop my knowledge and apply my theoretical knowledge to a real business.

“This business is key in our everyday lives and distributes electricity to a great amount of customers, about eight million. Changes, such as renewable energy, are exciting to be part of.”