Trainee Substation Engineer Review

Trainee Substation Engineer requires me to carry out maintenances on equipment that is part of the transmission system and produce evidence and write ups for my logbook. I attend university on block release to gain my foundation degree as well as attending the National Grid training academy to learn new skills and gain authorisations.

I have developed existing skills learnt from my previous apprenticeship and have applied them to a new environment. All skills required for the job have been covered in training courses. These include basic hand-skills to in depth theory on the equipment worked on.

The team I work with and the work itself is enjoyable and very interesting. Everyone is encouraging and constantly working to the next step. The course is extremely challenging and requires a lot of your own time to complete on-job targets, training courses and university exams and assignments.

I feel appreciated and respected as a future engineer at National Grid. Work colleagues recognize good work and help out with any questions you have.

The programme is very well structured to ensure all the training is provided by the end of the training programme. The course could be more organized by spacing out key courses and exams so they don't conflict. For example, not having a university exam and 2 assignments to complete, whilst trying to achieve your logbook target in time for an end of year interview as well as studying for your next level of authorization all at the same time

All the trainers are very knowledgeable and helpful at the training center as well as on site

Everyone is supportive at National Grid

The salary and package are good

During my training programme outside of work I have to do university work and any other studying needed for my job. The training programme requires a lot of commitment but will be worth it in the long term

Yes

Opportunities and quality of training

A lot of studying is required in your own time in order to fulfill targets