Electrical Power Protection And Plant Commissioning Engineer Review

On a day to day basis, I am either on site gaining experience with colleagues in my area participating in jobs to complete a logbook, at Aston University for the Foundation Degree in Electrical Power Engineering, or at Eakring Training Academy where all the training is provided from working with substation assets to health & safety.

I have been with National Grid 4 months now and learnt a wide variety of skills, from basic fitting skills requiring using tools that I have not used before, and using ladders and harnesses to in depth health and safety and risk assessments. These are all skills I did not have previously and day to day I believe has made me a more confident person in the workplace.

I genuinely really enjoy being on this programme, it was a big decision for me to leave my previous job role in another company to come here and I can honestly say I made the right decision. I feel like I am learning so much every day about the job I will be doing for many years to come and making strong friendships and connections with my work colleagues.

The programme I am on is very well organised and well structured and we all have access to a year ahead planner to see what modules we will be completing and when. A wide variety of resources are available online to aid us, and all staff are always understanding of any issues regarding the programme and will always do their best to help.

There is a lot of support from National Grid as an employer, from an Employee Assistance Helpline if you have any issues, to being able to speak open and freely to your Team Leaders, Line Managers, Business Coordinators etc. You have a mentor on site who is always there to help you out and when starting you are given a buddy who is already an apprentice in case there are questions you want to ask but don't feel confident asking others about.

The Academy at National Grid is a great support in guiding you through the 3 years of the apprenticeship. If you are struggling with anything, there is always someone there you can speak to and support you, and they are always asking for feedback and ways they can improve and move forward.

The qualification I am achieving is very in depth and although it is still the early stages, I can see looking ahead I will have a vast array of knowledge and combined this with experience on site, it will make me a well rounded competent engineer. The qualification itself covers a variety of areas not just power engineering, but also a business management module for example, which will ensure we are the best engineers possible to move forward in our careers.

Whilst at Eakring there are opportunities to go out with your fellow apprentices and socialise when work has finished e.g. bowling. Outside of this you are always given the opportunity to take part in promoting STEM subjects, and also using Yammer there are a wide variety of groups on there you can join and be a part of many other extra curricular activities.

Yes

National Grid is a very supportive company to work for and the kind of company where when you start you never want to leave! They are always trying to ensure you are the best version of yourself and always pushing you to achieve your best. If you want to progress there are so many ways and channels to do this via a vast array of training courses.

Some advice for anyone thinking about National Grid for an apprenticeship, it won't be an easy ride as there is a lot of hard work to put in, but if you put the work in, the results and the support you get will put you in the best position for a long career ahead of you. Listen to those around you and if you get the opportunity to work here, grab it with both hands.