Mechanical Technician Review

As a mechanical technician I carry out routine and non-routine maitenance work on a gas transmission compressor station, containing three Rolls Royce RB211 Gas Generators and an electric drive unit.

I have completed the following qualifications: PEO Level 2, BTEC Mechanical Engineering Level 3 and an NVQ Mechanical Maintenance Level 3 as well as company specific training. I am currently doing a HNC in Mechanical Engineering.

Very much so, the programme is hard work but rewarding. I enjoy the challenege it presents and I see clearly how I have progressed so far over the last few years.

I am rewarded my my emploeyer (National Grid), whenever I do a good piece of work and acheive - the appreicate scheme is in place to rewards any employee who does good work.

There is a clear structure for my programme which gives me the opportunity to see a clear path of progression during my apprenticeship which is very good.

Whenever I require help and/or support from my training employer it is given. I am given frequent opportunities to seek out any additional help that I may require.

My employer actively looks to see if I require is I need help or support, this is done at regular intervals to make sure a problem does not carry on for long.

My salary/package is very good, it is highly rewarding and competitive compared to employers in a similar field. There is hgih expectation but I am rewarded for this.

There are many opprtunities outside of work time to engage in, at the training centre at Eakring there are leisure facilities including an astro turf football pitches, a gym and a gold course.

Yes

There are lots of benefits to working for National Grid, the salary/package is very competetive, the training is first class and there is job security which most employers do not offer.

Get as much experience in the engineering field as you possibly can, a lot of people can't use tools and don't have much knowledge about what they are actually applying for - try and get work experience at a local site or at one of the trianing centres, failing that find out as much information as you can about the company, practice your interview skills and build on your engineering knowledge.