ETP ( Engineering Training Programme) Review

I am an on the Engineer Training Programme, which is essentially a Higher Apprenticeship with a sponsored Foundation Degree. Day to day involves spending time in the office learning my role that I will be put into at the end of the Trainee scheme. My role involves asset management so I go through methodologies and techniques related to that. Other days I spend 2 week blocks at Aston University where I study towards a challenging Power Engineering Foundation Degree. Finally I also spend time on the physical National Grid sites and training centers to further enhance my knowledge and make me a well rounded engineer

I have developed existing skills such as self awareness and speaking in a business like fashion. I have gained extra qualifications such as Authorised Gas Tester Trianing, CITI project management training, safety passports etc. Anything that can be related to my role National Grid provides me with to make sure I gain the most out of my time in the apprenticeship. I have also learned a lot about asset management and it has also changed the way I think, to make me think in a more business like manner, and consider the greater good.

Overall the programme provides me with qualifications, a car and a generous salary, which provides me with a very good lifestyle. There is a lot of respect for each other and it is generally a very discimination-free workplace. Everyone is always polite to each other and I feel very safe. Therefore, I am generally happy with the program.

As an apprentice I feel valued with all the training and investment the company puts into us. However, form the business point of view I do not feel particularly valued. I believe this is because at the moment I am not of great use since I am in training and therefore, cant really contribute to any great extent. Over time when I become more competent I am sure this will change.

The program is fairly well organised,with a few bits and bobs that could be improved. However all our training is planned out a year in advance so in general it is fairly organised. THere are mentors and support workforce you can speak to about any issues. And the business is often flexible with study if you need time to study or attend extra sessions they can often accomodate.I am in a fairly small group which is good in my opinion as we can all work closely with each otehr.

We receive a lot of support from external training instructors who often even after the course is done will provide us with contact details to fruther get into contact with them if needs be in the future. If you have issues you cannot talk to anyone abouut the employee helpline is absolutely brilliant and will even offer free legal advice.As with any company there will be people you may not get on with but you have to learn to play with the rules.

National Grid is very conscientious about supporting its employees with many incentives and reminders often going on. Such as support for the mentally ill, physically disabled and also have encouraging LGBT days to make sure the environment is as discrimination free as possible.

The salary is very generous and I doubt you will find a school leavers job with a starting salary of £23500. The salary has allowed me to buy my first house and still live a decent lifestyle. Overall I am very happy with this. Travel costs are also re-reimbursed when away training and accommodation is paid for when away training too.

National Grid does hold company events. However often the people from work hold smaller meet ups and socials which is always nice. They do many volunteer and charity initiative such as double matching for charity fundraising. They also have incentives to encourage people to cycle to work and also discount membership is available at certain gyms and leisure centres.

Yes

It is a very safe place to work which is relatively stress free. Most of the people I have spoke to here are generally very happy with their job, and this is proven by the shear amount of people who have literally only worked for national grid all their life. The salary and other benefits is also incredible including the pension scheme which is double matched up to 6 percent (for a total 18% per month). THis is an amazing pension scheme.

Be yourself and make sure you are passionate about giving yourself a good future. THey want ambitious invidividuals who cna work well on their own or in a team. Also the university side can be tricky so make sure you are clued up on maths and electronics before joining ( this includes if you are applying for a gas role as you still do electronics).