A Carshalton power engineer honoured by UK Power Networks after 40 years helping ‘keep the lights on’ in London, now trains the next generation of experts.
Dean Whitehead, 56, is one of 63 employees recognised for his unbroken service in UK Power Networks’ 40+ Club, the company which delivers electricity to 20 million people across London, the South East and East of England.
Dean helps engineers qualify to work safely on the electricity network, gaining and refreshing skills needed to keep supplies reliable. He has seen the industry transformed by advances in safety and technology, while playing a key role in keeping customers connected.
His career began as a drawing office apprentice in 1986 and progressed to become an engineer, working on faults, connections, maintenance, innovation and business improvement before becoming an operational instructor at Sundridge Training Centre in 2019.
Dean said: “Throughout my career, I’ve always enjoyed sharing knowledge with others learning the role, so becoming an instructor was the right move for me.
“Engineering is one of those jobs that happens in the background, looking after the network and making sure everything is working properly.
“Our safety culture has vastly improved over the years, and technology is sometimes helping us to find problems on the network before they affect supplies.
“The people in our industry make the job so enjoyable.”
Dean spent 30 years serving on out-of-hours standby rotas, ready to respond at any time to keep power flowing. The role took him behind the scenes at London landmarks from Westminster to Buckingham Palace.
He is proud of his role in improvements, including introducing safer re-energising equipment and moving from paperwork packs to portable tablets for field staff. He also leads UK Power Networks’ apprentices on Outward Bound adventures and Duke of Edinburgh Gold expeditions in the Peak District and Brecon Beacons, participating in gorge walks, expeditions, raft building and camping.
Basil Scarsella, chief executive of UK Power Networks, said: “It is always a privilege to celebrate colleagues who have devoted so many years to serving our customers and communities. Their service, skill and commitment have helped keep electricity supplies flowing for millions of people, and we are proud to recognise their outstanding contribution.”
