Trainee Operations Engineer Review

My role involves learning the responsibilities and activities of my end placement team, attending university to achieve a foundation degree in engineering and attending professional and vocational courses organised by National Grid. The first year was meant to be approximately 80% training 20% on job, a lot of training was delayed due to Covid which gave me a really good opportunity to learn the systems and skills needs for my first post role.

I have developed my time management, communication and self learning skills. I have learned a multitude of new skills ranging from health and safety related activities, mental health first aid etc to more hands on activities like working at height, soldering pipes, working with complex computer systems and so on. There really is too much to describe.

I really enjoy the programme! On a daily basis I feel challenged and engaged by the activities I'm involved with, the employees of National Grid have been approachable and happy to impart wisdom and experience to me, and I feel like I have an impact even at the level of trainee engineer.

My programme is very well organised, there have been major changes due to Covid, but National grid handled these really well! We were made work from home overnight, but equipment and IT services were put in place so quickly that everything transitioned smoothly. Even with the changes from Covid I don't feel I've been held back or that I haven't had the opportunities that I was promised.

National grid gives a lot of support from all levels. We have a culture within our cohort of trainees where we are able to support each other using our individual strengths and weaknesses. My line manager is incredibly supportive and understanding of my workload and the difficulties I have sometimes faced. On top of that, my on job team are always on hand to help me when I'm looking to learn the role, I have a mentor in place who has given me so much support throughout the course. There is a dedicated new talent team in place to help with your needs and training as well.

Aston University is very good, they adapted quickly to the virtual learning environments and the course leader is always happy to discuss concerns and help you through the course. There is a dedicated learning development centre available to talk you through different skills such as maths, academic writing, referencing and time management too.

My qualification has given a solid foundation of knowledge to apply to my role. In particular, the business case modules, academic writing required for assignments and gas engineering modules have given me a good basis to take into work and grow my skills, know how to ask the right questions and apply basic principles to the work I do.

National Grid pre-covid had a lot of different activities to get involved in through something called the corner club. This ranged from sports activities to theatre trips and other interesting days out with negotiated discounts, Unfortunately the work from home and covid restrictions have temporarily stopped a lot of these from being possible at the moment.

Yes

At National Grid, I feel that I have developed personally and professionally. I have always been made aware of the support available and have experienced it first hand. I am genuinely happy in work and can see myself building a long lasting career at National Grid, rather than just having a job.

Be open and honest, ask for help when you need it and do your best to help others when they need support too. The course can be hard at times, but all things worth it in the end are! If you put in the time and effort, you will be noticed and appreciated by your managers and colleagues. Don't take the opportunity for granted.