Solution Architect Review

My job role is Solution Architect in the Information Services department. My role requires me to be involved in solution delivery projects that aim to implement new technologies in order to improve National Grids services. My responsibilities in the project is to drive the solution which involves understanding the requirements, analysing designs and agreeing on a final design.

I have extensively developed my communication skills as my job has required me to communicate persuasively, clearly and confidently with a wide range of stakeholders. I have also gained problem solving skills as I have been faced with various problems that I have been required to solve in innovative and creative ways.

I enjoy my programme as it presents me with different challenges that I have to face, meaning that I’m not continuously completing the same tasks repetitiously. This creates an exciting and changing environment that challenges me. Within my programme, I also feel supported and encouraged to achieve the best I can.

Due to the large amount of support I receive from National Grid, I feel very valued. One example of National Grid valuing my needs is my listening to me when I expressed my interest in a particular project and they provided the appropriate support for me to move and get involved with this project; this also included supporting my relocation which was required for the project.

National Grid give a clear and accurate structure to my apprenticeship, providing dates for all training, reviews and other events a year in advance to allow me to plan my time accordingly. National Grid also do well at adapting to change and restoring organisation whenever and external factor disrupts the planned structure.

The National Grid training provider offers great support to assist my learning. This involves regular catch up and review sessions to check that the learning is going well and to ensure that we are applying the lessons learnt in the workplace. This also gives us an opportunity to raise any concerns we have.

My employer actively ensures that I have the right opportunities available to me in order to develop me effectively. They also constantly get feedback from the team members I work with in order to track my progress and identify any weak areas which they need to help me to work on.

My salary meets my costs well and goes beyond supporting my living. Furthermore, business travel is paid for by National Grid which supports any needs to travel to other offices to work; this includes food and accommodation.

There are many opportunities offered to us outside of work varying from social, sport and charity events. There are many opportunities to attend social events including team outings, conferences and team building events. There are also many opportunities to get involved with sporting events such as the departments football team and charity events such as the charity tower climb.

Yes

Because I feel that National Grid highly values and cares for their employees by catering for their needs and developing them to meet their full potential. National Grid will also ensure that you are safe and remain healthy at work.

I would advise anyone applying for a role at National Grid to practise their communication skills, as the ability to communicate with colleges is essential and highly valued. Furthermore, it is also beneficial to get to know as many people as possible upon joining by attending various social events and activities; this will give you a wider range of people to provide support to you.