Higher Apprentice Review

My role at National Grid as a Higher Apprentice is highly varied. There is a mix of activities on a day-to-day business with a blend of technical and non-technical opportunities present. There is rigidity in the scheme and placements; however, there is still also chance for involvement with a variety of projects and initiatives throughout the wider business.

I’ve developed a multitude of new skills and further developed old skills during my time with National Grid. Most notably, during the induction period of my scheme I attended a variety of courses and sessions with topics including things such as: presentation skills, time management, mental health and first aid recognition and response training, as well as topics more specific to National Grid and the energy sector.

Thus far I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my program. The environment and culture of the organisation is very welcoming, the development opportunities are many, and the support provided by National Grid’s Academy is fantastic. One comment I do have with regards to this question, is that it can often feel as though I am asked and assessed solely based upon my performance and that enjoyment and general well being are often not discussed.

National Grid is a welcoming and progressive workplace with support networks and services being readily offered. I personally strongly feel valued by my colleagues and associates, however, as is probably common with working as part of a larger organisation - oftentimes feel somewhat insignificant or disconnected from the larger picture and organisation.

My program is very well organised and considerable time and effort has been invested on behalf of the National Grid academy in order to ensure an effective and efficient structure. Notably, the induction period at the beginning of the program provided me with countless skills that proved invaluable upon entering the workplace.

Support from our third-party training provider has been very mixed with some individuals being supportive and others being quite the opposite. With regards to guidance, fairly little has been provided and oftentimes conflicting guidance has been provided by tutors / assessors. In relation to general attitude, the training provider has been mostly supportive and accommodating; however, some tutors / assessors have been at times unprofessional and not supportive / accommodating.

A great variety of support is readily available for National Grid employees with colleagues, managers, and internal support and well being teams all playing a part. Support is available with regards to professional queries and development, as well as more personal and lifestyle related support being available such as well being, and mental health support. National Grid has a great culture with regards to speaking up and seeking help.

The salary package is highly competitive for the industry and National Grid are quick to reimburse any costs associated with work travel or activities. One complaint in this area is with regards to the high living costs associated with the area - National Grid does offers its graduates based at the same location a £200 sum towards rental costs, however, the same support is not offered to apprentices.

There are a great many opportunities and activities available to National Grid employees outside of work. There are a number of sports clubs set up by employees, some of which are subsidised by National Grid, and there are also a variety of volunteering opportunities that are strongly encouraged by National Grid.

Yes

National Grid provides an enjoyable, supportive, and progressive work environment. In terms of development opportunities and progression there are countless initiatives and opportunities available to all employees. The combination of the positive culture, progression opportunities, available support, and out of work opportunities, societies, and clubs means that I would strongly recommend National Grid to a friend.

With regards to tips and advice to those applying specifically for Higher Apprentice roles within National Grid I would place emphasis on the following: Competency-Based Questioning – competency-based questioning features heavily in several stages of the application process. Team working and Communication – team working and communication is assessed extensively at the National Grid assessment centre and is a key consideration when distinguishing candidates. Knowledge of National Grid – knowledge of the organisation is often an area of weakness for applicants and knowledge of the company is highly appreciated / rated.