Substation Higher Apprentice Review

My day-to-day tasks change depending on the location I am at. If it is a week I am at the training centre, I am completing various courses, relating to the skills I will need. On site, I am learning more role specific tasks and at college, I learn the engineering behind the skills I am learning on site and on training courses.

I have become much more confident when interacting with new people, I have learned valuable professional skills and I am much more knowledgeable about the energy systems we have in the UK and the engineering and processes that go on behind the scenes to keep these systems reliable and safe.

I really enjoy my programme as it has been a wonderful opportunity to meet new people and make friends. I enjoy the work I am completing but it has also been a brilliant social opportunity in the evenings when away for work.

The programme is very well organised, the schedule of where you are going to be and what you are learning is easily accessible and you can view your calendar months in advance so it is easy to make plans outside of work whilst ensuring you are getting the exposure to certain tasks that you need.

I receive a lot of support from my employer. There are multiple different forms of contact and a variety of people to speak to dependent on your current need or query.

The training providers have given us multiple ways to contact them as we are not there full time. They have been easy to talk to and respond quickly with any questions we have had.

By doing the qualification, I have been able to understand why we do different tasks on site and how the engineering behind the tasks is vital in the successful running of the substations.

There are many professional networking events advertised that you are able to get involved in. There are many facilities at the training site to do social activities, such as bikes, games rooms and sports courts. There is also an opportunity to go on a team building exercise during the apprenticeship.

Yes

I would recommend National Grid, as I have found my time here very invaluable, and the support and opportunities within the company are amazing.

My advice would be to make sure you are confident and not afraid to speak up. A big part of this company is safety, so having the confidence to point out something you feel unsafe, even to higher up members of staff, is looked upon well by the employers.