Substation Engineer Trainee Review

My job title is an substation engineer trainee. Daily tasks include things such as maintaining high voltage equipment. Some of the equipment being maintained is transformers, circuit breakers, isolators. The people I communicate with on a daily basis are my apprenticeship colleagues and business mentor when I attend academy training. When I attend site training I mainly speak to members of my team to ensure I gain the best knowledge possible to succeed in my future role. Outside of work hours I usually talk to people on the apprenticeship and friends and family from home, but when I am away from home we can usually do group activities, i.e. play football, go bowling.

Coming into this apprenticeship I had BTEC Level 3 National Diploma in engineering and the skills I learned from this program has been strengthened by the development programs and courses that National Grid have supplied on this program. Some of the skills which have been developed vary between practical and theoretical skills. My hands-on experience has improved through the use of various tools and using them on a daily basis. Overall this program has increased my knowledge of tools available and how to use them correctly.

Joining the program has been one of the best decisions I have made not only for the learning aspect but it has allowed me to develop other aspects of my life in general, such as living away from home more often, increasing my driving knowledge and ability. The program was mentioned to me through the college as something go to participate on and I am glad I decided to take the risk. The company culture is exactly what I expected and they make you feel welcome upon any course or any on site activities and I really enjoy coming into work to continue my development.

My manager and mentor give me regular progress updates by conducting meetings so ensure I am getting the correct information from courses and programs. Both of these mentors have been a massive help in allowing me to spot weaknesses in my development and areas I need to concentrate on to improve. Whenever a work based project takes place in the workplace the team continue to involve me in every task.

The program is very well organized. I am notified about upcoming course and opportunities for development on a regular basis with email notifications. My mentor and team leader are also a large part in the planning of my experiences within the company as they plan my on jobs for when I return to onsite training. This is key for allowing me to join jobs which will increase my logbook experiences and knowing that the team want the best out of me as an individual.

The support I receive by the training advisor is excellent. We are advised that if we are struggling with any topic we can acquire extra hours of tuition to ensure we are on track to complete the program with the best possible result. The attitude of all of the academic training advisors and mentors is excellent as they are willing to help with anything work related not just the course they are teaching to you.

National Grid as a whole is an excellent company for providing a support network. They put development and support programs in place to ensure that people are provided with the best apprenticeship experience they can. Whenever I am at the academy or at the university or on site the support I receive of others and the business is honestly something I thought would never happen. My team are willing to provide so much time to explain anything I don't understand which is good as it shows as I am a respected member of the team.

As this is my first full time job after leaving college, I don't really have much to complain about in terms of cost. The fact that the degree is paid for, you get a company vehicle to travel to work locations with all expenses paid is brilliant. with the apprenticeship we also get a much higher than average wage which is excellent for living costs and to save for future expenses.

I regularly receive emails about clubs and events that happen with the company which are attended at Warwick. I haven't managed to attend many of the events due to my training program and my travelling is quite significant, but my aim is to try and attend an event in the future to see what they are like. After work wherever the training program takes place there is plenty to do after work, from bike rides, bowling alleys, football pitches, shopping centers and cinemas. When joining the apprenticeship you will never be short of something to do.

Yes

National Grid is one of the best business to work for in my opinion. The program setup in regards to individual development and experiences is second to none. I have advised many of my friends to apply for the program as it is so unique and the amount you learn is just great. I always wanted to work with electrical equipment and to be able to work in my dream job under these conditions is great.

When applying to the company or going through the interview process, show the company who you really are, don't put on a different mask to try and better yourself as the company will be able to see through it. Be honest, be genuine and be yourself and the company will respect you more for it. When going for the assessment days ensure you have done some light reading to gain some basic electrical knowledge before the interview as this will allow you to show a small amount of your true potential.