Electrical Power Engineer Review

A mix of training, university and being in the office learning about what people do and roles that we may want to go into after the scheme. I am based in the Transmission Network Control Center where I have the opportunity to interact with colleagues and build an understanding of what they do why its so important, this will help me when I go into my role after the scheme.

The university course at Aston has enhanced my understanding of the fundamental principals surrounding the work that National Grid do. Spending time around experts with years of experience in the office and at the training center also helps develop an understanding of engineering and business conduct. This helps me develop the qualities that will help me be successful within my company.

This programme offers endless opportunity to grow knowledge and understanding of electrical engineering. Close mentoring from my line manager, the academy staff, university staff and my colleagues in the office also has helped me develop as a person and push myself to achieve, this makes the transition into my role very enjoyable.

This programme offers a grate variety of academic and practical learning, both of which are essential to my role. Being able to study at university whilst also spending time in a professional environment is what sets this programnme apart from just going to university. All apprentices from different parts of the company start at the same time which gives you an opportunity to mix with people all over the business and build new relationships.

National Grid go above and beyond to ensure I am supported. They support me in my studies at university and also within the office where my colleagues are always willing take time to explain things I may not understand. My manager is very supportive and is always open to chat about any issues we may be having as well as being keen for us to succeed.

Our programme structure allows for us to not only study at university but to also fit in time to do research for assignments and projects whilst we are in the office. This helps us to build up a network of working relationships within the business as well as building our knowledge and understanding. My manager and the academy also monitor our results closely to ensure we are succeeding and then if we are struggling they help us find extra support, often from experts in the business, graduates and former apprentices who are all happy to help.

In my role in the Transmission Network Control Centre an understating of electrical power systems is crucial. Being able to understand will help me make informed decisions which ensures that we provide safety from our system to our staff, and the public. Without an electrical engineering foundation I would not be able to go into my future role or progress in the business.

When at the training center for the first month of the scheme, there is plenty of time to use the sports facilities such as football pitch and bikes as well as a bar and pool table for the evenings. All of the new starters also go on a week long team building event at an outdoors facility, this was really fun and helped us make new friends and get to know each other better, this help us b e more comfortable around each other when at work or university.

Yes

National Grid provides endless opportunities for you professional and personal development. Being successful in the apprenticeship also offers great job opportunities for the future as the electricity industry is only getting bigger. Being able to work whilst being at university offers much greater financial freedom than a regular university course with a much greater chance of a role when the course finishes.

Throughout the process make sure you represent the best version of yourself, then carry that forward and develop it. The application process is definitely a new experience for someone coming straight out of sixth form of college as I did and can be scary, however this is just the first step in your own personal development. So if this is a role you are interested in and excited about, make sure you reflect that.