Transmission Network Control Centre Higher Apprentice Review

The average day-to-day role that I am working towards will be helping National Grid to maintain a safe, reliable and efficient electricity transmission network. As part of this we will require the ability to temporarily remove assets from the network for maintenance and upgrades. The TNCC helps to facilitate this by ensuring that this is carried out safely without harm to the wider network.

Throughout the apprenticeship so far I have learnt a great deal. This ranges from my greatly increased technical knowledge of how electricity is generated, transmitted, patterns it is used in and much more. This has been completed alongside my greatly increased soft skills including communication with team members, presentation skills, public speaking and more.

I have greatly enjoyed my programme so far, the training programme has been very well structured in terms of University training, on-job training, off-job training and practical training. The dedicated training facility that National Grid has access to provides a great technical hub for questions and the ability to see assets up close in a safer environment.

Despite Covid-19 making planning courses difficult due to ever changing UK policies, the programme has still managed to be thoroughly organised. Any changes in dates happen with plenty of time to make alternative plans and the changes are communicated very well. The training plan as a whole is also very well planned with the more technical based trainings happening at the appropriate time.

I have a vast support network from other apprentices who are studying the same degree/ apprenticeship pathway as me, to previous apprentices who can often make great mentors, to academic mentors to line managers and all the way up to Employee Assistant Programmes. I have never felt like I did not have the support network required.

The training that is provided from the Eakring trainers is very good. They always seem to be able to pitch the course at the appropriate level and can explain the complex topics in an easy to digest manor. Aston University have also been helpful towards completing my Foundation Degree with virtual support always available.

The Foundation Degree that we receive from our training provider is highly beneficial and applicable to our job role. The scheme has been adjusted to suit the needs of National Grid and is often updated to the latest industry standards. The University course has recently been updated to a hybrid approach to learning and therefore the material has been updated to the latest available information.

National Grid has an excellent STEM engagement programme. They often run careers fairs where you can help speak to younger students about potential careers that they may want to look into. National Grid also runs upskilling workshops for disadvantaged students where we can help give technical talks, answer apprenticeship questions, help with CVs etc.

Yes

National Grid is a company that is aiming to be at the heart of the clean electricity transition. As part of this there are many interesting roles that you can apply for and there is always new opportunities being presented to those who are searching to take on more responsibilities/ fancy a change.

I would recommend that you look into National Grids current climate change commitments (when will we be operating a net zero energy network) etc. I would also recommend that if possible you look into the roles that you are applying for and how this role may help with the clean energy transition.