Substation Craftsperson Review

Substation Crafts Person Apprentice - Daily tasks include working with colleagues to maintain equipment, setting up demarcation, keeping sites tidy, reporting defects found, raising new work orders, completing work specifications. Daily interactions involve receiving and providing toolbox talks when working on equipment, signing onto working parties, communicate with team leader/planning departments to work through job cards and clear them. Responsibilities when working as a Permit Holder are to maintain general safety and work to the safe system of working. General on site responsibilities are to maintain safety by reporting and minimizing hazards, work to the safe system of work, understand the limitations and safety requirements of the job before signing onto the working party. We are also required to complete time sheets on a weekly basis, attend training inline with our apprentice yearly timetable. Have 10 weekly reviews with assessors/trainers which provide additional support if we need it.

I have gained new skills in operating Mobile Elevated Work Platforms and have increased my skills through on site experience. I also have received my Level 3 City & Guilds certificate, gained hand skills through maintenance works, experienced lifting operations and feel more comfortable about being the Permit holder for them. Feel more comfortable with working at heights, driving a variety of vehicles from ATV's to larger Vans. I also have achieved my Trailer towing License with the DVLA. Day to day communication with team members and meeting teams on other sites has helped with my personal confidence and social skills which has improved my personal life.

I very much have enjoyed my program so far as it has provided a good mixture of time on site and time learning in the classroom. The trainers are very supportive and friendly and I have a mentor to help me throughout who is still providing excellent help to this day. There is a very strong safety culture in the company and this makes me feel safe and comfortable on site and encourages me to contribute to this safety by ensuring I report hazards/near misses. It has been better than I had expected and I am looking forward to being authorized as a competent person.

On site I am valued for my hand skills and practical knowledge, also my ability to learn quickly. A particular example being Timing tests on circuit breakers, after having done the training course at eakring and working with an engineer on site I quickly became confident with the process and was able to assist other Competent people. This was very rewarding and made me feel greatly valued. I was valued as an apprentice and was constantly supported with any issues that I had , personal or work related. My Team leader has also provided support for personal issues.

The organization of the training has been fantastic, with accommodation always provided including meals. Cancelled courses are made aware of in good time before hand and if required course date changes due to illness etc. There is a clear hierarchy within the company and I feel confident about approaching the correct people when I need assistance/advice or have a question. The trainers are also very helpful with clearing up one file issues and Trailblazer questions and also providing feedback for submitted work with improvements to be made.

The training provider has provided easily accessible support via email/phone or with a meeting. They provided positive support and were very approachable at all times giving clear advice and feedback.

I have received a great deal of support from my Mentor, Team Leader, Trainers, Course Manager, Planning officer, Senior authorized Persons and other team fitters. Personal support was provided confidentially and in a professional manner and also with a positive attitude. Work related issues were always provided with clear guidance and easily accessible via a phone call,email, text or conversation. All the trainers are very welcoming and approachable with any questions or issues you may have.

The salary package meets my costs well , it provides me with enough to cover living costs whilst at home, personal travel costs and also allows me plenty of room for personal life costs.

There are some opportunities outside of work which I have not personally been involved with but they have community outreach events where they attend jobs fairs to encourage young aspiring engineers. My local team does go for social events such as team meals when it is mutually agreed. However there is not much more that I am aware of.

Yes

Great learning experience with plenty of support, a great apprenticeship and starting salary once completed.

You can always learn what you don't know/understand you just need to maintain a positive attitude, accept what you don't know in an interview and show willing/interest to learn.