Over Head Lines Apprentice 2nd year Review

My role at National Grid is a Over Head Lines Apprentice, my job involves climbing electricity pylons to conduct various different tasks, some days we may just be inspecting the towers and all the parts that go onto them and others we may need to go up and fix them, each day is different and you never know what your going to be doing next.

during my short time at National Grid i have been enrolled on many training courses, i have learnt how to operate a MEUP, its a type of telescopic platform, i have been trained to a high level in first aid,i've been given training on how to carry out nemours jobs that keep the high voltage transmission network working. I am also being given training in electrical theories and mechanical principles.

The work i do at national grid is very rewarding, its made me more willing to push myself and to go out of my comfort zone, when i first started it was quite daunting to think that i would have to climb to the tops of the towers and then do a job or to be sitting 70m in the with only tow cables to sit on and only your balance keeping you stable but you grow to love it, we work as part of teams and they also help a lot by giving me reassurance and help whenever i need it. its very demanding work but the sense of accomplishment is unreal.

I feel really valued at national grid, im made to feel live a valued member of the team and tho i have little experience compared to some of the team i work with they are still willing to listen to my ideas when we have a problem that needs to be fixed, all the managers here make you feel welcome and they try to get the best out of you all the time. the provide the support when i need it and are willing to help me if i become stuck.

From day one i could tell that everyone at national grid knew what they were doing, my year had a big intake of apprentices and everyone received the support the needed, we were all provided with laptops, phones the whole works straight away, all the training was provided just as quick. our whole year is planned and we have the resources to check the plans whenever we need, all the courses run on time and a at the right time for our development.

at the start of the apprenticeship a mentor is provided from the company, they give you all the help you could need and as they are already qualified they give great guidance when it comes to doing the job, any time i've asked for help ive the staff at national grid have been more than happy to help running extra training and catch up courses, there are also systems in place so that every ten weeks you are reviewed and any problems that you may have can be sorted out. these are really helpful. all the managers are also willing to help making time for you as they want you to succeed.

my manager gives me loads of support, he's always looking to help me out and if i have any questions he's willing to take the time answer them, having a mentor is great as its a they give support whenever you need it, from the small thing to the big they all are really helpful and any problems that arise i always get the support i need.

the salary is great, before i started working for National Grid i worked in construction, on my first year i was taking home £20 a week and im not lying, i couldn't quite believe it when i found out the salary here, when i was in my first year i was already taking home more that my friends on a different apprenticeship with a different company in their third year, it really helps as i can still live will and do all the things i want to do on the weekend, the travel for training is payed for as well so that is really great and when you are training they also cover the cost of accommodation and food.

yes there is lots to do in National Grid, there are always events happening across the UK, when your at the training center there is also a lot to do, they have a fishing lake witch is great, a golf course, bikes you can borrow and go for a ride and you not far away from town so you can go out to watch a movie or go for a meal, thers always opportunity to volunteer as well you only have to ask, the onsite gym is great as well as its well equipped.

Yes

it is hands down the best company i have ever worked for, you are treated very well and made to feel welcome in any situation, the value there workforce and the wages are very competitive, its the sort of company you would be happy to work for for life and they always encourage progression

the application process is rally easy, the website is very easy to use and is self explanatory, all you have to do is follow the steps, the interviews are held over the course of a day where you get to meet other and this is really good as this encourages you to be yourself. on my assessment day i had to climb a tower and that was a bit daunting but everyone there helped me through it and made me feel welcome.