E.ON apprentice Daniel Langford on hands-on learning and real-world impact

For Daniel Langford, now in his second year as an E.ON Utility Solutions apprentice, the opportunity to combine practical work with continuous learning has opened up a world of possibilities and confirmed that choosing an apprenticeship was one of the best decisions he’s ever made.

His message reflects the spirit of Tomorrow’s Engineers Week which is a campaign designed to inspire young people to explore how engineering shapes our world and to show that there are many routes into rewarding, meaningful careers in the sector.

Learning while earning

Like many young people considering their next steps after school or college, Daniel knew he wanted a career that was active, hands-on, and offered real-world experience from day one. When he discovered E.ON’s Lighting and Grid Apprenticeship, he was immediately drawn to its blend of technical learning, teamwork, and variety.

“The main thing that attracted me to the apprenticeship is that it’s a chance to learn on the job from people who already work in the industry,” says Daniel. “I enjoy being part of a team and having to think about how to get around certain obstacles or challenges that come up. The type of job also appealed to me because I like practical, hands-on work whilst being outside and in a different place every day.”

That combination of variety, challenge, and teamwork is exactly what makes E.ON’s apprenticeships so rewarding. Apprentices work alongside skilled professionals on live projects, from installing and maintaining street lighting to supporting the infrastructure that keeps communities connected and safe.

When Daniel first started his apprenticeship, he had an idea of what the role might involve. But the reality, he says, has exceeded his expectations. “I expected to spend more time doing maintenance and less of what I do now,” he explains.

“Most of the time when I’m out on site, we’re replacing old streetlights that have worn down, as well as doing a little bit of maintenance. I also expected to get far fewer qualifications than I have now.”

Through the E.ON programme, Daniel has gained multiple industry-recognised qualifications and received specialist training that ensures every task is done safely and to the highest standards. He’s also discovered how much variety the role offers as no two days are the same, and every project brings new challenges to solve.

“It’s a great feeling when you can look back at a completed job and know that you’ve played a part in improving something that helps people every day,” he says.

Skills that power the future

As the UK transitions to smarter, low-carbon energy systems, E.ON’s apprentices are developing the skills and knowledge needed to deliver that change. For Daniel, the training has gone far beyond the technical.

“Because of all the training and qualifications I’ve achieved, I’ve learnt how to safely set up traffic management, work efficiently and correctly within a team, adapt to new people and environments, and perform street works safely for both us and the public.”

Working across different teams and environments has helped Daniel develop strong communication and problem-solving skills which qualities that are vital in the energy industry. “Every job brings its own set of challenges, and sometimes you’re working with new teams you’ve not met before,” Daniel says. “Being able to adapt, stay calm under pressure, and work together to get the job done safely is something I’ve really learned here.”

Advice for the next generation

With hands-on experience under his belt, Daniel is keen to encourage other young people to consider a career in engineering: “Unexpected opportunities are going to come your way,” he advises. “Take every opportunity you get and give it your best go, even if something seems difficult, because you can only get better at it. Every challenge teaches you something new.”

Powering possibilities with E.ON

At E.ON, we’re passionate about developing the next generation of energy experts. Our apprenticeships give people the opportunity to earn while they learn, gain recognised qualifications, and play a real part in delivering energy solutions that matter, from maintaining essential infrastructure to supporting the UK’s transition to net zero.

We offer a range of apprenticeship programmes across engineering, technology, and customer-focused roles — all designed to help people like Daniel build a career they can be proud of.

“I’d definitely recommend an apprenticeship at E.ON to anyone who wants a career that’s active, challenging, and rewarding,” Daniel says. “It’s a great way to build skills for life and be part of something that really makes a difference.”

Find out more about apprenticeship opportunities at E.ON Apprenticeships.