Overhead Line Apprentice Review

Work on Overhead power lines. Which includes inspection, Q and A and maintenance work. Work in a small team daily. Climbing up the towers is a main part of our job and replacing damaged parts

I have learnt to use many types of tools and equipment. Improved team work skills as a small unit. My health and safety awareness has been improved massively.

I enjoy this job very much. It is very intresting and being outside is a real plus for me. The programme has been very good so far and I believe I will be a valuable member of my team when I work with them.

I feel national grid take good care of me by providing top resources and equipment. I have a work van and a laptop which both save me money in the long run.

Structure could be better to allow more time at home as I have a child and have spent long periods of time away from home. Managers need to talk to each other more to rectify problems swiftly.

We have good suport from all the trainers who are always willing to help out. We have even been given extra work books from trainers to aid our learning. Most of the material is usually provided for too.

This could be improved but as we are away from site at the moment I believe it will improve when i get to see my manager on a more regular basis. When at the training academy most people are willing to help when I have problems.

The pay at the moment only just covers my living costs. Having a mortgage and child has made it tough but being provided with a vehicle has helped massively. Each year the pay does increase which will help out. There is also the ability to get shares for the future.

There are many opportunities out of work and i plan to get involved with more volunteer work once back at my home site. There is a team that you can liase with to help get you on the right path in your local area.

Yes

Good company, feel looked after better compared to my last job in the armed forces. Had to take a pay cut but more oppurtunity for more money later on in my career. Would only really talk about OHL as don't know much about the other jobs available but there is scope to move around as it is such a big company.

I would advise doing research on the company and what it is all about as this is focussed on during the assessments. Understand health and safety as this is another main focus point on the assessments and the ability to identifying risks/hazards. Be positive and engage well with the assessors.