Electrical & Instrumentation apprentice Review

Electric and instrumentation operate and maintain.This typically requires the maintenance of electrical systems on gas distribution pressure reduction sites; testing all electrical systems and performing maintenance on a regular basis. This is done under a qualified worker, until the end of the apprenticeship. Installation work is part of the job but not performed frequently, although training done through the apprenticeship is in order to fully equip apprentices to be able to perform installation tasks and projects, and understand the full running of all electrical systems on site.

BTEC electrical engineering, aswell as an electrical NVQ level 3, and the chance to gain an instrumental NVQ level 3 are qualifications of the apprenticeship. Training takes place as west cheshire college as well as the National Grid Eakring academy. I have learnt much technical knowledge as well as health and safety knowledge. Training courses are organized, and a schedule procided for the entire year. Grid core values such as 'One team' are expressed and team work encouraged.

Work is not stressful and the environment usually fairly relaxed which is good. The people including trainers and fellow apprentices all seem to be very nice and helpful, creating a great work environment of mixed cultures. My expectations were met,I thought the apprenticeship would add up to a half and half mix of practical and theory work which is around what it has added up to.

I feel valued with the resources spent per apprentice by National Grid. All travel, accommodation and even food is usually paid for. Internally managers recognize and take care of me, and externally I feel like a National Grid worker with all uniform provided to me, and even a van given to some apprentices very early on.

A long induction period takes place, which does a great job at relaxing all apprentices, and easing them into place. Team building exercises and a mix of all apprentices in classes takes place over this time. Training is organized, and a planner given at the start of the year which is followed exactly. Personal studying time is encouraged and expected.

Guidance is always available, with managers and mentors on site willing to help, as well as training overseer. I think some more care could be shown to me by my training overseer.

I recieve good support from my mentor who is willing to help me with any problems I have, and shows me alot of care and helps me through the apprenticeship. He has shown me technical knowledge, as well as helped me through any social problems, or problems with my training oveseer.

Living costs, travel costs, daily costs throughout the week are are catered for in addition to salary, creating a great package, that caters to apprentices costs. The salary along with benefits and raises throughout the 3 years is more than adequate and very good compared with other apprenticeships.

Company events etc... often arise and are informed of by email. Anyone is free to take part. I would like to maybe see the rise of leisure/sports clubs such as football events.

Yes

National Grid are a great company to work for, taking good care of apprentices, and providing them with a great salary, and looking after additional expenses. Qualifications and well structured courses are gained from taking part in the apprenticeship programme.

Interviews should be prepared for, and some company knowledge perhaps researched before, such as operating locations, business setup etc... Experiences and qualifiactions should be shown, and a key is organization and timing, which needs to be demonstarted to National Grid to promote any interest in you.