Apprentice substation craftperson Review

by National Grid

Best Apprenticeship Employer

Rating

9/10

1. Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:

My role involves attending regular training at Eakring training centre, attending site where I will assist other craftpersons in maintenance, repair, routine and admin jobs. Through my first year at National Grid, I spend a lot of time completing a portfolio on my apprenticeship work such as jobs and knowledge assessments.

9/10

2. Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?

I have learnt loads of new skills and development new skills with National Grid. I have developed my skills with using power and handheld tools to complete jobs whilst on site. I have also learnt new skills in reading and understanding engineering drawings, involving following the drawing to produce assessment pieces.

9/10

3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?

I really enjoy my programme as it has a wide variety, this includes, site work and working with tools, being in a classroom and learning engineering maths, on my computer completing regular reviews and working on my portfolio. I believe the programme suits me well as I enjoy a variety in my work and the programme gives me this.

9/10

4. How well organised/structured is your programme?

I feel that my programme is well structured to suit the needs to complete my portfolio by the end of my 3 years. My programme is given to me with easy access to it and shows my programme for the whole year which is really good because I have structure my annual leave to it.

9/10

5. How much support do you receive from your employer?

National Grid gives me lots of support on my programme. There is a big team of individuals who work within the apprenticeship which I believe I can contact freely and get a good response. The regular reviews I attend is a great way that the company supports me with my progress and next steps.

9/10

6. How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?

My training provider is really good at issuing me relevant training material. I feel that I can contact them and will receive relevant information which I will be able to understand. During my qualification training I feel that they are well trained and can give me the knowledge I need to successfully pass.

9/10

7. How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?

The qualification I am receiving on my programme gives me a great in depth knowledge of my role. The skills I am learning about with help me understand why I am doing certain jobs on site and who the equipment I use on site actually works. I will develop highly by the end of the programme.

9/10

8. Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)

I feel that there are lots of activities that I can be involved with when I am at the training a school at Eakring, this includes football and getting in the on site gym. National Grid is a great company who will help fund any activities outside of work which I am looking to do.

9/10

9a. Would you recommend National Grid to a friend?

Yes

9b. Why?

I would and have recommended National Grid to a friend because they are a really great company to work for and the support is like none other. I see the pay as an apprentice is much higher than any other place which is a bonus and something the company is amazing for doing.

10. What tips or advice would you give to others applying to National Grid?

I would tell others to definitely apply as they will receive so much support and get great qualifications from the company. I think they should work hard from the start and they will never look back. Other advice would be to make the most out of Eakring as you will make friends for life.