Higher Apprentice Power Systems Engineer Review

My role is within Customer Connections, looking into the compliancy of the network and dealing with customer applications, checking the compliancy, then modelling the connection on the design simulation software. During training, this will be built up over time, but will lead to being designated applications to process, then feedback to the team to check for any problems and ensure with senior staff that the work is to standard.

Skills that I have developed heavily lay within the knowledge element, myself having a mathematics background but not an engineering background, this has provided a challenge, included being able to process problems logically and with applicable knowledge. Time-keeping skills and time-management are also an essential that I have improved in when it comes to managing my own time.

Though it is much more intense than I expected, training and learning a lot of new knowledge and skills, I have enjoyed it overall, the company themselves are great, I feel safe, respected and have a great working environment. The atmosphere is always positive and I feel comfortable talking to various colleagues with questions or problems, or just to socialise. The aspect I have not enjoyed, is the university element, which is down to the University being sub-par and does not reflect National Grid at all.

In terms of the apprenticeship programme, it is well structured, there are a selection of staff members who are experienced with working with and training apprentices and apprentices are reminded of and reinforced of the support available to us and all staff. The overall structure is good, and is clear what is upcoming and where we need to be each week.

Directly, we receive a fair amount of support through training programmes, through managers who help structure the on-job elements, from buddies who help us from a perspective much closer to our own (only being with the company a few years / fresh from the apprenticeship programme). Overall, the atmosphere is positive, it feels as though myself and all staff are valued, this is reiterated throughout the company, including aspects such as "living our values" awards for those outstanding in demonstrating company values, as well as an appreciation system that can promote colleagues support to each other and recognise those who have stood out, worked hard, showing they've been noticed, sometimes offering a reward.

Overall, the support from the training provider has been sub-par, without going into details, this is being discussed. The quality of teaching is poor overall, the support and structure of the course is sub-par and for a university provider who is supposedly meant to specialise with this specialist course, it is disappointing. Myself and others have had to do a lot of self-study (which although independent study is essential at uni, teaching ourselves it as the provider doesn't or doesn't do well enough is not good), and a lot of support sessions for each other. Though not completely terrible, it is definitely way below the National Grid standard of quality.

Getting a grasp of the theoretical side is really interesting and though at the beginning some elements seem unnecessary or hard to see where it fits in, a lot of it plays a part in understanding the knowledge needed for job, with elements popping up now and again that reference learned content, making the ability to perform the job better as I am able to apply theory to the job itself.

Through National Grid, and an independent group through grid, opportunities are available and arise regularly, from volunteering in events (such as COP26 or Fully Charged LIVE), to visiting substations and power stations. There are opportunities to network through the Yammar social networking site, as well as free workout sessions at the on-site gym.

Yes

Coming from working within the education industry has been challenging to adapt, but a very positive change. National Grid have a very positive working environment which is felt throughout the company, with many experienced colleagues discussing with me how they enjoy working for grid, encouraged others to join who are glad to make the decision and how some who leave return. I have only heard positive feedback about working for grid, particularly from some colleagues who have worked within the energy, car or other industries, they have reiterated how much better the working environment is at National Grid. And in my short time here, I can see why, and can see myself here for years to come, and to retirement.

1: Research about the company, what they do and if the values align with yours, if they do, this is the right place for you. 2: Don't expect it to be easy. You need to have at least some passion for doing this and working here in the electricity industry, there is a lot to take on board particularly at first and at times you'll feel overwhelmed, you need to be prepared that you will need to work hard during the apprenticeship to succeed, but that when you have completed it, the rewards are there waiting for you - a great job in a great company. If you want an easy time and just expect to do the bare minimum throughout your time, look elesewhere. Because there are passionate and incredibly knowledgeable people here who've worked hard to get here, they are great, they want people who are passionate and hard-working to join them.