Trainee Power System Engineer Review

The Engineering Training Programme with National Grid consists of three main elements: technical and business/corporate training (at the National Grid training centre in Eakring), university study and 'on-job' in office training. Over a two year period, all three elements are combined to produce an excellent well rounded engineer. At the end of the scheme, each member of the cohort will join a department within National Grid (depending on the department that was originally applied for).

Numerous qualifications have been achieved over the course of the scheme. Not to mention the foundation degree, but other accolades, such as EUSR, etc.

The programme could be stressful at times, trying to balance working in the office (i.e. trying to learn software used for studies, processes, etc.) as well as having exams and coursework for university and courses at National Grid's Academy at Eakring. However, as a small team (my cohort was around 8, although we did mix with other cohorts at times) we all became good friends and helped each other with tough assignments, etc.

National Grid understood that the scheme could be stressful at times, and managers offered support throughout the scheme. The scheme also recognised anybody who had put in that little bit more effort and rewards were distributed. Once the scheme ended and you would join the department full time, the team really had respect and understood the knowledge you had gained over the last couple of years. As a graduate from the Engineering Training Programme, you are well respected within your department and are expected to deliver.

The programme is very well packed, week to week you could be in a different location doing a different course. It was all very well planned - we were given our annual plan at the start of the year, so we knew where we would be. There were little changes to the plan, and all courses were very well tailored to the knowledge level of the group. There were times where university deadlines were pressing but other courses were scheduled in the weeks before exams, etc. This could be a busy time, however to have such a well rounded and in-depth scheme, sometimes these things could happen.

In terms of training provider, this could change from course to course. For example, in the office i had my line manager, for training courses i had individual trainers, etc. Everybody i worked with on the scheme fully understood the workload and always offered support. After individual training courses that may have been delivered by an external facilitator, they would usual give their details and all of the information in their training pack so any question i had would always be answered.

Again, support was always offered by National Grid from various people. There was the scheme leader, my line manager, each course facilitator, etc. Each person was happy to talk over an query's or issues I might have had. I never felt like i had no support or nobody to talk to.

This scheme was class leading in terms of the package, with a higher starting salary than most other similar schemes. Other perks also included a company car to cover any travel, a work phone and laptop, etc. There was also an ending salary higher than most when I started my role full time.

Often, at the National Grid training centre in Eakring, there were opportunities to go out cycling (bikes provided by National Grid), or to drive to nearby towns. During the scheme, much of the spare time was used to revise/do assignments, but we all understood that this might be a difficult couple of years, however it would set us all up for an amazing career within National Grid.

Yes

The salary package, along with the sheer amount of training provided is unparalleled. The support from National Grid was relentless, and coming out of the scheme, I feel ready - as a well rounded engineer - to start my full time role within my department.

The application process is long, but don't be put off - the assessment centre might also seem daunting, again, don't be put off. Surely, most people don't enjoy these situations, but it was so worth it. I struggle to put in to words how amazing the scheme is, and how much of a head start you will have in your career if you join National Grid on the Engineering Training Programme.