Craftsperson Review

My time is split between training at the academy and on site experience. At the academy, the day starts at 9am and courses usually run until 4.30 which can vary between practical and theory. On site, I can access the calendar to see what work I am planned to be a part to and I will join a working party to carry out work. Documentation is an important part of the job and there are toolbox talks where we can ask questions and understand the work to be done and how to do it safely

I have developed my mathematics and physics knowledge through the academic courses and it helps me to understand how the equipment works. I have also learnt how to use a range of tools and I receive training to enhance my skills and teach me how to use them. I learn about the functions of all the equipment and then the practical courses teach me how to maintain them.

I really enjoy the programme. I get to travel around the country to different sites to complete work for my logbook and we receive food and travel allowances and hotel accommodation which is a great benefit. Its also nice to meet people from across the company, I find that I learn a lot by having this opportunity. There is a campus at the training centre where we stay for a week at a time when we have courses and this is similar to a university experience where I am living with others in my group on campus and we also get 3 meals a day and access to a range of facilities such as a gym, bar and games room.

We have a planning team that manages our plan and it is always being checked to ensure we are planned in for the correct courses at all times. I can call the planning team to find out about the details of my courses which is good. It's good to have a plan of the year as I can see when I'm able to travel around the country to different sites and find jobs for my logbook. The course is well organised

I receive a lot of support from my employer. My manager always checks up to see how I'm doing and regularly schedules small meetings to check my plan to ensure I'm not missing out on any potential work. I also have access to the Employee Assist Programme which provides help for any issues I may have e.g mental health, injury, illness etc.

The trainers are amazing, they always ensure we understand the work and what we have to do. Aztec AVA are the training providers for some of the courses and the guys are so friendly and as well as completing the work, we can always have a laugh and joke which makes the work more more enjoyable. This is the same for the City&Guilds course provided by EA Technology, the trainers are great and always provide help and advice even outside of work hours. Overall, the training providers make me enjoy the course even more.

It gives me the training I need to go on site and understand the work that is going on. At the academy, I learn about how the equipment functions and its purpose and when I go to site, I can use those skills and knowledge on jobs which makes it a lot easier as I've already learnt about it. All the skills and knowledge that I learn are useful when i'm working on site.

There are always opportunities to get involved in extra curricular activities such as science fairs where I can go and speak about my experience and encourage others to apply for the apprenticeship. I also have access to a gym at the academy and a football pitch where I can play with my mates after work. There is also a discount available at the local swimming centre and access to bikes on site available for free

Yes

Overall a great company to work for and there is so much potential for progression and a chance to complete further qualifications. You'll always be busy doing a range of things and that's what makes the experience so great. As well as great great training, the company offers so many benefits such as a great salary, pension, access to the sharescheme and so much more.

Be yourself and show that you're a passionate and ambitious person. Make sure you understand what National Grid does and how by researching before hand. Be prepared to travel around a lot during the apprenticeship as this is required to complete the logbook with jobs on there that may not always be available at your site. All the managers you meet at the assessment centre are really friendly so don't be afraid to ask questions and stay relaxed throughout the process.