Substation Craftsperson Review

I am a Substation Craftsperson Apprentice. This involves carrying the Maintenance, Repair and Monitoring of High Voltage substation equipment. Our day to day role is mainly planned maintenance work of the High Voltage transmission system.

I have learnt a huge number of new skills, which I am never going to forget and will use for the rest of my life, inside and outside of work. I have completed a Level 2 Performing Engineering Operations qualification. I am working towards a Level 3 City and Guilds in Power System Engineering (the theory side of the job) and also a Level 3 Trailblazers qualification (the practical side of the job). National Grid also provide a number of course to develop your personal skills, such as; time management, presentation skills, team working, managing resources etc.

The program is extremely good. National Grid provide so much training and support throughout the apprenticeship. It covers a huge array of personal and practical skills, to help with the job you will eventually be doing within the company.

National Grid are always interested in how their employees are developing and progressing with their programs. You never feel left out within National Grid, you are always taken into consideration and your opinion matters to the company.

The program is very well organised. You are allocated a Mentor when you join who will be working closely with you throughout the whole of the apprenticeship. The Mentors are very good at their job and they are always there to support you when its needed.

The National Grid trainers are excellent at what they do. They are very experienced people who know a lot about what they are teaching.

Everyone in my team is extremely supportive and never have a problem with helping me when i need it. My mentor provides a huge amount of support and is always available to talk to me about any problems i may be having.

The pay for apprentices is very good. After looking at other apprenticeship schemes, we are definitely the best looked after when it comes to pay. Travel costs are payed for by the company, as you are issued with company vans. Any business expenses incurred while working are always well looked after as well.

National Grid are always interested in charity work, they will contribute a huge amount if you decide to do any charity work.

Yes

National Grid's apprenticeship scheme is by far one of the best available. There are so many benefits to working for the company, from sharesave and pension plans to company car schemes and flexible benefit schemes.

Treat the interview as a conversation for the people interviewing to get to know you better. They just want a genuine person who is willing to learn and progress. So if you come across confident and willing to learn, you will be fine. Its a long application process, but stick with it and it will all be worth it in the end.