fitting apprentice at national grid Review

Electrical / Instrumentation Technician Apprentice. Carry out planned and preventative maintenance on electrical and instrumentation equipment on a Gas Transmission Compressor Station. Responsible for ensuring the station is fully operational at all times. Interact with the Gas National Control Center on a daily basis. Interact with external contractors that carry out projects and work on our site. Main duties are maintenance and control room operation, along with project supervision and daily gas/permit checks.

I have studied towards qualifications that will assist me in future life within the engineering field. The apprenticeship has also given me a great understanding of electrical and instrumentation principles and all the theory and practical techniques involved with them. I have also developed my skills on the computer as well in college on spreadsheets, powerpoint and microsoft word.

The work is different every day, and often challenging which i think makes it more interesting. Also working with the latest technology is good experience. The group of people I work with are great, east to talk to and always want to help. While they are all professional they can have a laugh at the same time. It was better than what I expected.

I feel very valued by National Grid. As they say within National Grid - 'Its one team, one National Grid' meaning we are all as important as each other proving how much respect is is received and given within National Grid. I think that national grid wholesomely look after all their employees and really well and values them all equally in the business.

I feel the structure of the programme Is the only slight negative to the apprenticeship. Where the content of the courses are all very good, the time spend training off-job was far more than on-job. I feel there needed to be more of a balance. I also felt some courses were too long, e.g. a 5 day course that could easily be condensed into 2-3 days.

The tutors always run through the work in great detail ensuring that every aspect is covered and makes sure everyone in my group is aware of the job in hand. If any problems occur or help is needed the tutor/tutors are always there to give me a help in hand and guide me through the process. I would like some more chats with my tutors on my progress however i can always email them if i need help anyway

My network supervisor has been extremely helpful with supporting me through my apprenticeship and has helped in getting me anything extra i need including a works van, extra PPE, sorting out expenses, arranging work to suit me and my training needs and making me feel part of the team instantly. My training programme manager has also been very helpful supporting me and every other apprentice through the process and supporting us with guidance wherever he can.

The wages are really good, i have enough money to pay my fuel back and forward to work as well as to pay all my bills with a bit left at the end for savings and going out. All travel costs to and from the training centre are covered by National Grid so i only have to pay for travel when i am working on site. I know that apprentices tend to get lower wages however it would be nice to have a rise.

our team are a very sociable team and we often have opportunities to bond outside of work for example the Christmas meal each year is a great way to celebrate. Some of the supervisors at the national grid will occasionally invite their team out and organise an event for a special occasion, there are often birthday celebrations in the local area which really raises the team spirit.

Yes

It is a great company that will look after you and provide opportunities to move forward in the company and they also provide many benefits such as cars and a fantastic sharesave scheme and pension. I think the company is really good and can help you gain new skills and you meet some really nice people here as well on this site and everyone typically helps you out on a daily basis and its a great working environment.

Try and get some work experience in a relevant industry as it goes a long way on your CV. I was told that's why I stood out. Also if you know where your going to be based give them a phone to find out about the job as it shows you are keen and enthusiastic. Ensure you are up to date with the business too and know more about it, our customers and products/services as well.