Apprentice Substation Fitter Review

My job role title is Apprentice Substation Fitter, when I am training at the academy in Eakring, I am completing either City & Guilds qualifications, or I am doing courses based on equipment or work that I will complete out on- site. When I am on- site I am currently gaining experience working on various pieces of equipment with other senior fitters. I am required to collate evidence and paperwork for what I have done & this will contribute to my qualifications.

I came from college where I was also working as a waiter in a restaurant. Therefore I had no background of this type of work, I have learnt a lot of new skills in this industry, both through my practical work on- site, and my technical work in training. I have been put on courses such as: Hand Skills, Wiring, Rigging & Slinging, Scaffolding, MEWP Driving, & Equipment Courses, these have all been excellent in my development into my role.

I love what I have done so far, work wise, & what is to come. My team and the company culture is also excellent, I know that there is support if I were to need it. The company has provided everything I have needed and helped me to achieve everything I am required to so far. I do think that there is a lot of working away which could affect personal situations for families etc but this has not affected me.

If I have been noticed for doing exceptional work or something similar, we are given rewards and/ or appreciation through the form of an email or in a review. We are given many possibilities to excel ourselves or take part in external activities . I was rewarded last year for being involved in walking guests around our training academy, I did feel very valued.

When our intake started, we had a large induction which covered everything about the company, everything expected from us & everything we would be doing over the next 3 years. When we are training we have a timetable which identifies a calendar with everything we will be doing in a weekly set up. We can view this when we want & it is mostly accurate and reliable. When we are on site we also have a calendar which details work we are assigned to.

We were all given a mentor when we started, our mentor is our first point of contact when we need guidance or have any queries. We also have reviews every 10 weeks where we can express any concerns and these will be acted upon. Overall there is much support and help in place to assist us when we need it.

We have numbers for the HR Team & can also contact our mentor or managers when we need to. Our managers and programme managers are extremely keen to support us and ensure we are achieving in all areas. If we fall behind or fail anything, is is immediately picked up on and we are given extra tuition to allow us to pass the next time.

The salary is satisfactory, I believe it is one of the best Apprenticeship wages in the UK. Because there is a lot of working away with expenses paid for and a work van, not a lot of money is spent meaning the salary becomes even more efficient.

Although I do not currently take part in any outside of work activities, I believe there are many events & we are informed of these via email. There are Christmas meals and team building throughout the year to bring us together outside of work.

Yes

National Grid has helped me a lot & I believe it is an excellent company to work for, the whole working environment and support from the company is great and there are chances to develop into different roles also.

Read up extensively on National Grid before your interview or assessment day, I found that it is quite difficult to source everything from the internet about them but it is there. Be confident in your application and interview and be honest. Dress smart & work in a team as National Grid promote team work greatly.