Power System Engineer ETP Review

Being an ETP (Engineer Training Programme) is extremely diverse in the first year, I am was often away on training courses in the Eakring training centre or studying at Aston university in Birmingham, if not then I could of been away to check out a substation or power station with my peers. In the second year I have had a lot more office experience, taking part in meetings and liaising with colleagues and managers, while also continuing my degree at Aston.

I have learnt a lot of new skills working for National Grid, first of all is the professional aspect of working in an office, how to hold yourself and be confident and polite to whoever you speak to or work with. There has been a lot of training given to help make that process easier, training courses like: Effective Meetings, Effective Time Keeping, Constructive Conversations, Presentation Skill etc. While also getting a IET accredited degree through Aston.

Before I started the programme I wasn't sure what to expect, I had heard great things about National Grid and the ETP Scheme but I never knew anyone personally that had worked for them so I was a bit sceptical. However, upon starting I was made to feel right at home and part of the team, National Grid take care of you to the highest standard, the company has a safety culture that is very important and everyone works together to ensure the safety of each other. My expectations were certainly exceeded as I have been given no end of opportunities and I love coming to work and doing what I do.

In National Grid there is definitely a great deal of recognition for high standards of work both internally and externally. Internally the company are always pushing you to be the best version of you possible, you feel like you can make a difference and everyone will help you to achieve that. Externally the recognition comes mostly from Aston University in my experience, with exams and projects they help you build and construct your future.

The programme in terms of structure has been very good, the organisation for some courses and getting set up as a National Grid employee was a bit shaky at the start but once everything is ironed out then it gets much better. I have a wide range of support from Uni to my line manager and both academic and professional mentors which help with studying and the integration of becoming a great employee.

The support from my mentors is extremely helpful, I meet with my mentor in the office at least once a month for a catch up, the conversations are usually about if he can help with Uni work or if i need anything for work projects, same goes for my academic mentor, he is helping with my final year project and always gives great feedback to me. I really enjoy the training and the support, it feels genuine, like people are there to support me.

National Grid are a massive company and it would be thought that you could just become a number and be forgotten, this is so far from the truth. There are a lot of options and help available for any situation that you are in personally or in work situations, the company implore you to share any problems you have so that they can help you.

The salary for my position is extremely good, in the first year of the programme there is a lot of travelling so you can save money and enjoy yourself as National Grid take care of food, travel and hotels. In second year you have to stand up on your own two feet a bit more, for myself I had to move to within commuting distance of the office so that was a bit of an expenditure but I have learned to manage myself a lot better and that in itself is a form of training.

There are always opportunities to get involved with National Grid, for myself I play football with people from the office once a week and I feel like that has great value to my enjoyment of the office and people I work with. I also volunteer to help with careers fairs, there are always careers fair to promote the company and my position, these are all over the UK so I like to travel around and get the opportunity to meet new people.

Yes

I would recommend National Grid due to my own personal experiences and how much I have enjoyed it, I think it is a great company to work for no matter what stage you are at in your career there is opportunities all over the business. I feel like i have gained so many valuable life skills and lessons that have helped me grow to become a better version of myself.

The best advice is to find something you love and are interested in, if you show enthusiasm and potential then National Grid will not stop in helping you get to where you want to be. The application process is exciting, video interviews and assessment centres let you show off yourself to the company and start your career.