Substation Higher Apprentice Review

As a higher apprentice, my role is to observe, understand and apply all the health and safety rules and procedures, the company's internal policies and procedures, to attend all the courses (theoretical and practical) learning all the aspects of my future role. Also, I have to prepare, submit and/or present all my project in due time and professionally.

So far, I learned a lot about mechanics and how various components have to be fitted together, every small piece heaving its purpose; I've also learned how a business is organised, assessed and further developed sustainably; new knowledge about the tests on transforms (why specific tests are performed, what information to extract from each different test and how to assess the health of a transformer following the test).

As in any field, there are challenges with days full of success but also with small mistakes. However, I really appreciate how some mistakes are approached by those around me, always ready to help me and guide me in the right direction. It is challenging, but I do appreciate that every step is a lesson to be learned. Furthermore, we have access to all programs offered to other full-time employees, having equal access to all benefits just like any other colleague.

The established program offers me the possibility to organize myself not only in the short term but also in the long term. I know exactly when I will pass through a certain course. For various reasons (such as COVID-19), some changes are made, but they are communicated to us immediately (even if they are for modules that follow in a few months). The possibility of scheduling a holiday leave is effortless due to how the program is established and communicated. I do believe that the program is designed not only to help me learn but also to keep me safe.

They are a lot of good things to say about the support provided. Top to bottom, all the managers, coordinators and supervisors seem to have as one of their main goals to pass on to us all their knowledge and expertise, being extremely focused on our safety. The other way around, bottom-up, we've been assigned a body, and we also have mentors looking after us, stepping in whenever required. Furthermore, we have access to all programs offered to other full-time employees, having equal access to all benefits just like any other colleague.

From a personal point of view, I greatly appreciate the patience of colleagues and instructors who, aware that English is not my first language, repeat information or find other ways to explain something to me when appropriate. One of the finest tools that I appreciate is the feedback, which allows us to express our perception of how things go, adjustments and/or improvements being made if necessary.

By completing the qualification, I will gain a wide range of new knowledge. Without any of this knowledge, it would be extremely difficult to excel in this field (if not impossible). The relevance of the qualification is obvious because someone from outside could overlook vital aspects of the qualification in an attempt to obtain the same level of knowledge by himself.

Yes, they are plenty of activities to get involved in. From promoting the STEM subjects through various programs to charity support programs or from fitness (we have a great Gym at Eakring) to cycling (nice countryside to cycle around from my experience), they are a lot to do. Also networking events, my favourite being "Virtual Coffee Break" when I met colleagues from finance, IT, gas and many other areas, colleagues which I wouldn't know otherwise.

Yes

B. First of all, I am paid to learn with more than a decent wage instead of me paying to learn something new. The people around are all friendly and helpful. There is no limit in what you can achieve or how high you can go, as long as you put the effort in and you are willing to excel. If there is a problem, somebody will definitely guide you and/or help you solve it.

Be honest, and especially be yourself. In time you will find out anyway that there are no differences here and that there is great diversity. Try to improve your presentation skills. PowerPoint, Word and Excel are very useful tools if you know how to use them. Depending on the field you choose, you should refresh your basic knowledge in that field. Prepare for tests (there will certainly be tests in addition to interviews) and be punctual.