Trainee Power Engineer Review

The type of things that we do on day to day differ hugely. Training at National Grid's training site learning about the job, company and building personal qualities like presentation skills. Learning the theory for power engineering in a foundation degree at Aston University and spending time in the office learning about the roles within the team and how they contribute to the running of National Grid.

I have learnt lots of new skills during this apprenticeship. Many of them have taught me about the job, role and the engineering theory which has benefitted me in the office as I can see how the theory in the class room helps keep the network running. Personal skills have been developed too; presentation skills, time keeping and planning have been increased to improve my performance.

I really enjoy the programme because it is so varied and learn is so many different ways. Doing blocks at different locations across the country and meeting other apprentices has made this a really enjoyable programme to be part of. Being provided with so many opportunities has helped me to learn more and being able to learn from colleagues, lecturers, engineers and managers has increased the information and teaching methods available.

The programme is well structured and has been gradually increasing in difficulty so have not felt over whelmed by too much information. Being given the chance to have a week to get to know colleagues at an out of office event was a good addition as the apprentices got a chance to get to know each other more. The university blocks are well spaced out throughout the year so there is a good amount of time to revise and complete assignments.

Great support from employer, especially from the office there is always people who are happy to help and teach you more about the roles. This is the same regarding University work, they recommend which books are best to learn and introduced older apprentices who have finished the scheme to help guide you to make the most of the great opportunity

There are two training providers, Aston Uni and National Grid. Both are easy to contact via email and are responsive to emails too. The University have extra support available especially for maths based work which is really beneficial. National Grid help by having great facilities and training substations so it is great to learn in a more realistic environment.

Through National Grid training I perform better because I am more confident in how the whole business runs. When I am asked to present in work my skills are much better and clearer from practice that has been had at Eakring training center. Aston University is helping me to perform better as when I am back in the office and colleagues are explaining roles and events on the system to me they can use more technical language allowing my understanding to improve.

For those who want to get involved there is opportunity to. There are groups from choir to helping out at careers fairs. I have helped at a careers fair at one of the schools near by and enjoyed being part of the business outside of the office. There are lots of chances to get involved in fundraising too.

Yes

The company are supportive and really want their employees to do well and succeed. The help they provide in and out the office make you feel more confident even when you are struggling with University work. To travel around the country to learn and get trained has been a really great experience and meeting so many new people has made the apprenticeship so far very enjoyable.

Make sure you are prepared to work hard as it can be very challenging, but you get great feeling when you do well. Be ready to ask for help and let people teach you as there is a lot of knowledge in the office and on the substations. Enjoy your time living away and be interested in the power industry and the energy sector to make sure you enjoy the role.