John Tyler is UK Director of Technical Training at National Grid and has dedicated his career to improving the workforce skills within his company and the wider sector. As Chair of the National Skills Academy for Power and the Delivery Board of the Energy & Utility Skills Partnership, he has been instrumental in shaping the sector’s future, demonstrating the power of collaboration in driving meaningful change.
John Tyler’s career in the energy sector began when he completed a four-year electrical apprenticeship program. His dedication and hard work meant he progressed into various roles at National Grid, including Technical Trainer, Maintenance Engineer, and Project Manager, leading him to his current position.
Throughout his career, John has worked closely with Energy & Utility Skills, particularly in reintroducing apprenticeship programs into Gas Distribution and Transmission, developing a range of new Electrical Transmission apprenticeship standards for National Grid and promoting skills development across the supply chain with the Procurement Skills Accord.
John has shown his commitment to collaboration across the sector in his recent appointment as Chair of the Delivery Board for the Energy & Utility Skills Partnership. He said, “Working together across the energy and utilities sector is essential for developing training that meets the needs of National Grid and all of the businesses within the sector.” He also states that collaboration is crucial for addressing the significant challenges facing the sector, such as achieving net-zero goals and ensuring the government is prioritising its investment in skills.
Over the years John has worked alongside many of the Energy & Utility Skills team and praises them all for their hard work and a few people have stood out for him as going the extra mile.
“Rob Murphy, Workforce Planning Consultant, has consistently been professional and easy to work with, delivering exceptional insights and meaningful outcomes from the data he analyses. His reports have been hugely helpful when talking to the government because he has provided us with the data that supports what we’re saying.” Says John.
He also acknowledges the contributions of Phil Beach, Energy & Utility Skills CEO, and Steve Barrett, Director of Membership and Strategic Engagement, and said, “Their efforts have been crucial in bringing government and industry together to achieve our collective goals.”
John’s love for his job and commitment to developing talent within his organisation and across the sector are one of the main reasons he has stayed with National Grid. Despite the misconception that utilities are ’boring’, he emphasises the diverse and significant career opportunities available. His journey from apprentice to a leadership role is a testament to the sector’s potential for growth and development.
He is also a strong advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion (EDI) initiatives, recognising their importance in opening up broader talent pools and creating a more inclusive environment. The partnership with Energy & Utility Skills has been crucial in advancing these goals and sharing best practices across the sector.
As the journey to net zero continues, John remains committed to driving progress, fostering collaboration, and ensuring that the sector attracts and develops the talent it needs to meet the challenges of the future. His career is a shining example of the impact that passionate, dedicated individuals can have across the entire energy and utilities sector.