From Linespeople to SAP: How Three IES Colleagues Are Advancing Their Careers in the Power Network

Creating an environment where our colleagues can grow, develop their skills and pursue their ambitions is something weÔÇÖre incredibly proud to champion at IES Utility Solutions.

Last week marked a significant milestone for three members of our Power division ÔÇô Concila Ndlovou, Albert Jukwa and Phineas Runganga ÔÇô who successfully achieved their HV Switching (up to 22kV) and Long Stick qualifications with Scottish Power. These achievements mark an important step as they prepare for their final SAP Stage 3 assessments in the coming months.

Having joined IES in 2024 as linespeople through our South African recruitment programme, each of them has demonstrated exceptional commitment, progressing through hands-on project experience while building a deep understanding of network operations and safety standards.

We caught up with them to hear more about their journeys so far.

Concila Ndlovu
After relocating to the UK, Concila quickly adapted to the demands of a fast-paced operational environment. Starting in surveying and defect identification, she progressed through pole pinning roles before achieving her APSPHV HV Switching Authorisation.

ÔÇ£This is an accomplishment that IÔÇÖm particularly proud of,ÔÇØ she says. ÔÇ£Joining IES has been one of the most pivotal and rewarding transitions in my career.ÔÇØ

Reflecting on the journey, Concila highlighted the personal growth behind the achievement:
ÔÇ£This has been both a challenging and highly rewarding experience. ItÔÇÖs helped shape me into a resilient and disciplined SAP, with a strong focus on safety, performance and continuous improvement. Each milestone reflects not just my own development, but the strength of the team supporting me.ÔÇØ

Phineas Runganga
Phineas joined IES in late 2024, bringing valuable experience from Zimbabwe. Beginning on a pole pinning project, he quickly demonstrated his capability, catching the attention of Conor OÔÇÖNeill and the wider team.

Recognising his potential, Phineas was given the opportunity to begin SAP training ÔÇô an opportunity he was eager to take.

ÔÇ£It was an opportunity I was proud to accept,ÔÇØ he explains. ÔÇ£Since starting my training last year, IÔÇÖve been focused on building my knowledge and experience, and IÔÇÖm now preparing for my SAP authorisation assessment in June. ItÔÇÖs been a great journey of continuous learning and development.ÔÇØ

Albert Jukwa
For Albert, becoming a SAP has always been a clear goal. His journey has combined in-depth technical training with rigorous practical experience, all underpinned by a strong commitment to safety.

ÔÇ£One of the highlights for me has been working through complex switching procedures alongside experienced colleagues,ÔÇØ he says. ÔÇ£ItÔÇÖs really strengthened both my understanding and my confidence.ÔÇØ

Albert also pointed to the importance of safety throughout his training:
ÔÇ£The safety auditing element has been especially valuable. It reinforced just how critical it is to follow safe systems of work. ItÔÇÖs not just about doing the job effectively, but doing it responsibly and safely every time.ÔÇØ

Across all of their journeys, a common theme stands out ÔÇô dedication, adaptability and a willingness to step outside of comfort zones to achieve meaningful progress.

Their achievements not only reflect their individual commitment, but also the culture at IES ÔÇô one that actively supports development, recognises potential and invests in the future of its people.

As they head towards their final SAP assessments, they are already demonstrating the qualities that define success in our industry: technical excellence, resilience and an unwavering focus on safety.

WeÔÇÖre incredibly proud of Concila, Phineas and Albert, and we look forward to supporting them as they take the next step in their careers.

At IES, their journeys are just the beginning ÔÇô a powerful example of whatÔÇÖs possible when ambition meets opportunity.