Substation Craftsperson Apprentice Review

As a substation fitter our day to day role can be varied, depending on whats planned for that day, we can be doing anything from cleaning fence insulators, to making new gaskets, stripping compressors, to taking oil samples. We could be working at height out of MEWP's, or working in confined spaces, we could be working with cranes for changing busbars, topping up GIS equipment with SF6.

I have learnt many new skills while working for National Grid, i have learnt about how to stay safe when working at height, how to fight different fires, basic first aid, how to maintain isolators, compressors, batteries, earth switches, and how to use MEWP's and over head cranes. how to apply earths, how to use machines and how to present information. I have also learnt about the importance of working with others, and i have learnt to improve my listening skills, and taking a moment to consider what people have put forward. Ive passed many internal training courses such as air compressors, busbars and isolators, batteries, competent person, LV wiring, hand skils, hydraulics and pneutmatics and transformers.

I do enjoy working at National Grid for several reasons, the first is the atmosphere. There are many people who would say in a large company that they feel grouped together, however here, despite working together as one team, we are in fact treat as individuals and this is something i feel is very important in the work place. the second reason is the support, i know that i have support both from site, and from training which is a real benefit to being able to perform to the best of my ability. the third is that feeling of being one team, yes feeling as an individual, but also as one team as the work comes together so well, and that respect that everyone has for other people, their work and their property is excellent.

I feel massively valued as the company always looks to give us the best oppurtunities to learn as possible, as well as having the support for those that perhaps arent at the same level as other. there is also a sense of achievement when completeing something which gives you a certain feel good factor as you can say youve done a good job of something and its been recognised. i also feel included in the work, even as an apprentice whether its stood looking over someones shoulder while they explain how something works, or carrying out a task theyve asked you to do, i always feel included, and like they want me to do well and encourage that by sharing their knowledge and experience

Our plan is very well structured to give us a good balance between being on site to get the valuable practical knowledge and experience, and being in the classroom getting the basic understanding of the course before going into detail to further our knowledge and understanding. it also well adaptable as the plan changes due to several problems and issues that arise such as trainers not being available, stand down days interupting courses or sickness, however the planners always manage to get the plan arranged in such a way that you dont miss out.

We have a lot of support that is available should we choose to use it. there is support from both site, and Eakring which ensures that support is coming from all areas to ensure you receive the information you require. from the training provider we have 10 weekly review which is to ensure we are getting the correct information, but also checks that we are happy and asks us if we have any questions or support requirements which is always helpful to know that its there and you can raise an issue this way rather than having to go and find someone to speak to, they come to you and work with you to resolve the issue.

We have a lot of support that is available should we choose to use it. there is support from both site, and Eakring which ensures that support is coming from all areas to ensure you receive the information you require. from the employer and site, there is the on-job reports which are a way of tracking our progress to see our strong points and weak points, and help us improve on the weak points by highlighting them, and sitting down, discussing them, making notes and pointing us where to go for more information should we need it. There is also employee support programmes available in addition to HR

Our salary is more than ample. when in training our accomodation and meals are paid for, and our travel to and from both the training, and site is paid for so it is an excellent package we have available to us. the only real expense is food when on site, however this is usually £30 a week, which is very minor in comparison to the £300+ we get paid each week.

There are opportunities outside of work to do great things with the company, recently there has been a sponsored bike ride from one end of the country to the other which stopped at National Grid sites across the country and raised money for charities. In addition to this there are chances within the company to help support open days and induction days for young people or new starters. There are also opportunities within the team to join the sports and social club, which organised events such as paint balling, bowling etc. to encourage team building and improve relationships between colleagues.

Yes

National Grid is a great company to work for that provides excellent training, great support, outstanding benefits and good opportunities as well as the option to progress further once you have completed the current apprenticeship. There is so much to learn about, and we are well educated from the basics, right through to the in detail courses on specific equipment and training courses. There is also a great amount of knowledge from site that employees are more than happy to share with you, from hands on skills of being on the tools, to the important rules and regulations that must be followed. They are always looking to encourage my learning in the most beneficial and safe way possible.

Be yourself, dont try and big yourself up to be someone you arent because you wont keep it up, and the current employees are very down to earth and general. Also be willing, not only to work hard, but put that extra bit of work in, staying an hour or 2 afterwards or offering to do things and be helpful, it is important to be self motivated and self driving. The final thing is never be afraid to ask, it is often seen as a weakness to ask about something if your unsure, however National Grid see this as a positive thing, it shows you are aware of dangers and are conscientious of doing the right thing.