Power System Engineer Higher Apprentice Review

I am a Power System Engineer Higher Apprentice. My role means I have the technical knowledge and experience to understand how our electricity grid operates and study how it needs to evolve to meet demand. In my day to day, I used advanced modelling software, complete engineering studies and communicate with a wealth of stakeholders to decide how our infrastructure needs to be designed, maintained and upgraded. My work is vital to ensure our infrastructure remains 99.9999% reliable and secure to power the whole nation. Also, ensuring the infrastructure to enable the energy transition is properly integrated to our grid. The role pushes me to overcome obstacles around outage planning, modelling, power quality and voltage regulation. It has given me extensive knowledge of legislation on the energy sector and who the sector collaborates. The opportunities I have been able to be a part of have developed my knowledge but also my professional and personal skills. From clean power 20230 to London Power Tunnels, the projects I have worked on have given me motivation and inspired me to deliver for my community.

The opportunities I have been able to be a part of have developed my knowledge but also my professional and personal skills. From clean power 20230 to London Power Tunnels, the projects I have worked on have given me motivation and inspired me to deliver for my community. I have worked with the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero during National Apprenticeship Week. Being included in National Grid’s RIIO-T3 Business Plan has showed me that I can make an impact no matter my position. The apprenticeship has helped me find my passion for social mobility and supporting communities. I represented National Grid the Social Mobility Awards and participate in events in schools to support young people through our Grid for Good programme.

The environment and culture at National Grid is what I most enjoy. I am never treated as “just an apprenticeship” but treated as an integral part of the team. Given opportunities for self-development and responsibility in my work to make an impact. I have a large support network which generally cares for my progress and wellbeing. Three weeks into the apprenticeship, my wife and I welcomed our twin girls. This was a joyful but stressful time in my life. National Grid were very supportive and gave me reasonable adjustments to still succeed. The opportunity has made me able to provide for my young family and plan for the future.

I feel I am given time and space to complete all aspects of the apprenticeship while having guidance from my network on my progress. Requirements are transparent throughout so I can be sure I am achieving the right goals. I have support with time management, prioritising and learning independently. I feel as though my path is thought out and planned so I know where I will be and where I can go.

Physically, I am supported through first aid and a wide range of health and safety training. I am provided with full PPE and given the face-to-face mentorship to ensure my safety on-site. I am also provided with all the DSE equipment I need to ensure I remain in good physical health while in front of a screen. Mentally, I have a safeguarding team that monitor and look after my wellbeing. I have access to the AVIVA digital GP app and the thrive app. I have received Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and counselling. Also, supporting me with my neurodiversity by helping me get diagnosed and suppling me with software and hardware. I am encouraged to speak up when I am struggling and coached on how to prioritise my own health. I fell I am always heard, supported and encouraged when I have sought support in times of struggle.

As an apprentice, I have a dedicated Development Programmes Team. This team plans my programme, coordinates my studies and training and sets my yearly schedule. Additionally, the team is there to support my development and wellbeing. I have progress reviews every 12 weeks to track my development. The reviews are also there to check on my wellbeing and if I need any further support or have some obstacles, I need help with. If problems are raised there are people within the team to deal with tat specific problem. If it is around my health and wellbeing, the safeguarding lead will support me and offer a range of support from counselling to software like the thrive app. For academic issues, the team can bridge the gap to communicate with the institution to find a solution I am happy with. This can be receiving 1-1 coaching, neurodiversity support or shown helpful tools. With issues with training, the team liaise with my on-job colleagues to ensure I am given the right support to excel in my role. Also, trainers can be briefed on my specific needs or courses amended to support my needs.

I receive a wide range of qualifications that focus on improving my professional, personal and academic skills. I do a foundation degree to build m knowledge on the technical knowledge and skills I need to become a power system engineer. This includes power system theory, math and physics, presenting and leading and delivering my own project. The training courses train me on health and safety and the safety culture we have at National Grid. Allowing me to always prioritise my own and my colleagues’ safety. Also, giving courses on transmission system and substations. Allowing me to understand the company’s assets which directly impacts my end role. Personal and professional skills are developed through presentations, complex projects and training courses. I am also encouraged to understand myself and challenge my behaviour so that I learn how to live a healthy work life balance.

There are many opportunities to get involved in away from my day job. I am encouraged to volunteer and give back to community. I have taken a personal responsibility to support my communities and young people. National Grid has enabled me to do this through attending events at academic institutions, interacting with students and young people to help them from my own experiences and current position. I have also attended large events like the Social Mobility Awards and represent the company. I have collaborated with separate organisations like the Department of Energy Security and Net Zero and been chosen the be included in the RIIO-T3 Business Plan advancing my own career. I am a part of two ERGs One and Faith@Work, which shows me National Grid aligns and invests in my core values and interests. Finally, I have recently been invited to sit on the social mobility board to help advance the impact we make as a collective and give me valuable experience.

Yes

The broad support network and extracurricular activities. Also, the career progression available after the apprenticeship.

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