Substation Fitter Review

Substation electrical fitter. Carrying out maintenance on the electrical equipment within the substations. I am in the final year of the apprenticeship now, most of the work is completing the 2 log books I have. In these log books must be evidence that I have worked on various types of equipment, including a detailed write up on what I did. I also have knowledge projects to complete.

The first 2 years of the apprenticeship was just full of training courses at national grids training center. You gain a lot of qualifications including city and guilds. You also have 6 weeks of hand skills where you are taught some key skills in using tools, which benefits you when it comes to being on site.

I felt that the job was going to be a lot different when I first joined to what it actually is. I didn’t enjoy living away from home week in week out as I felt like I was at work 24/7. However when I am on site involved in a job then I do enjoy it.

I feel needed within my team as there are not many fitters. But in terms of the entire company I'm one of many. I feel needed within my team as there are not many fitters. But in terms of the entire company I'm one of many. I feel needed within my team as there are not many fitters. But in terms of the entire company I'm one of many.

The training courses at our training centre are run very well. However I feel there is no communication or organisation put in place with our actual sites. Jobs have set time scales and some weeks there are no jobs being carried out on the equipment, these seemed to always be the weeks that I was on site for meaning I gained very little experience during the first 2 years. Also, many courses could be carried out with our actual team rather than traveling up to the training centre constantly, this is much worse in the first year as we cannot drive there.

While on courses and training, getting help is quite easily accessible. I could speak to any of my trainers and question them on things that I need to know without a problem. They are willing to give me there time for help whenever I need, be it email / call / face to face.

While on courses and training, getting help is quite easily accessible. I could speak to any of my trainers and question them on things that I need to know without a problem. They are willing to give me there time for help whenever I need, be it email / call / face to face.

For an apprentice it is a good wage. I can live on it fine. How ever in terms of living and staying in my area in the long run, it is not so great. Even when I qualify, the cost of living in and around London will probably price me out.

I haven't really heard of any or been offered anything outside of work.I haven't really heard of any or been offered anything outside of work.I haven't really heard of any or been offered anything outside of work.I haven't really heard of any or been offered anything outside of work.

Yes

Because its a reliable, big company.

You’ll have to be prepared to travel up to Eakring for a good part year in year 1 via train and cab. Then half a year in year 2. The company is solid and the wage is good, so if you don’t mind the annoyance of being away from home a lot then go for it.