Substation Apprentice Review

During training I am based at Eakring, where food and accommodation are provided by the company. I start at 9 AM and I am finished by 4 PM, depending on the course I am doing that week I have to complete write ups on my activities. I work in a group of fellow apprentices and we are responsible for completing our portfolio of work that we do whilst at Eakring. While on site I start at 8 AM and are usually finished by 3 PM, whilst on site I usually shadow another fitter and get involved in different jobs occurring on site.

I have gained various qualifications such as PASMA, BESC, redone first aid and gained new mathematics qualifications whilst working towards a city and guilds qualification. I have also learnt various hand skills such as how to weld, read engineers diagrams and how to use different tools such as a pillar drill and a bandsaw.

I enjoy the program a lot as it has given me a lot of new experiences. I have also met a lot of new people who have been very welcoming and I have joined a good team on site.

I feel that National Grid values me a lot and I get constant feedback from my mentor, my onsite manager and my trainers at Eakring. They also provide rewards and bonuses for good work.

The majority of the program is structured excellently, however on occasions things can be a bit hectic as communication between site and Eakring could be a bit better.

There is a lot of support at Eakring and the team are always available for advice whether in person or via email/ over the phone They're always happy to help with any questions or any problems I have.

On site I have a mentor who I can ask for help and shadow and he is always available to help with questions I have, I can also ask anyone one of the team if there is anything I do not understand. I can also go to my manager for advice.

The costs of travel, accommodation are covered and I am given a London weighting allowance so the wage is more than suitable for my needs as it is well above the apprenticeship average.

Yes, there are a lot of company events hosted by Newnet to help you settle into the company from networking events to fun social nights. There are also multiple voluntary schemes where you can go to roadshows or go to schools to talk about your job and what it entails.

Yes

They provide world class training and offer a very competitive wage whilst guaranteeing you a job at the end of the scheme.

The application process is very long but it is a great opportunity so stick with it.