Apprentice Mechanical Technition Review

Maintenance of the gas pipelines and compressor station. At the moment it is online learning from the college that is done via Microsoft Teams. We also travel to National Grid's training site in Eakring to do manual training on tools and the gas pipelines as well as safety training.

I've learnt new safety skills in regards to IOSH training and other safety training such as working at heights. We haven't done any manual training at Eakring yet so I'm yet to learn much from there. However I have done some hand skills on site which has been helpful.

Due to Covid the programme has been difficult so far as majority of the course has been done online but this can't be helped. However I have felt that sometimes the courses and training could be delivered in a more engaging way to build more enthusiasm in the course.

There is often changes made without being informed first so there can be discrepancies between what we were told/shown we would be doing on our plans and what we actually have booked in which can be frustrating. However with the current situation of Covid I think the programme has been structured as best as possible.

I receive a lot of support from my employer, from co-workers to managers. They are very good at implementing any changes that need to be made and are very aware of possible situations that could cause people issues. They will always try to accommodate a request or problem if they can.

I receive mixed support from the college we attend as there is often long waits between getting basic feedback on activities we have been set which makes it harder to do assignments. The National Grid training centre is good as they have very good facilities and the trainers are supportive.

There are aspects of the qualification that will help in my role such as the engineering principles, maths, science, and fluid systems. However there are other aspects that do not seem to be of any benefit to me in my day to day job such as the business studies unit.

There are usually lots of networking events that are available in National Grid but due to Covid these have been hard to organise. There is often online sessions where you can network with others and gain a better understanding of the different areas of the business and what they do.

Yes

Good quality training when it is done properly and you gain valuable qualifications out of it. There is a good team spirit within the organisation and the support network is very good. There is a good work life balance and you are able to come to work knowing you will be doing something good.

Always prepare for the interviews and assessments as they can be quite intense, try and get as much information about the company before you start. Embrace the training and make the best of it that you can and you will be successful in the role you have applied for within the company.