EPNE - Electrical power networks engineer Review

On a day to day basis, I work as an operational planner. My job involves carrying out feasibility studies on the SSENs distribution network planning for planned outages two weeks ahead or faults where network studies are needed to be done in real time on the extra high voltage network.

On this apprenticeship I haven't learnt many new skills including, network management, asset verification, asset maintenance (transformers, voltage transformers, current transformers, isolators, circuit breakers and liquid earthing resistors), post fault planning, network modelling. I have also developed many existing skills including project management, design. presenting information and customer engagement.

I have really enjoyed this program, on this program I have met a lot of new people from all different walks of life and I have been able to work alongside these people and learn from their experiences and also contribute some of my own ideas and opinions which have been valued.

The most part this program has been well organised and structured. The company have been very well organised they have provided a clear structure set expectations from the start. There was some issues with the provider mostly relating to timetabling but that was sorted out with intervention from the company.

The employer has been amazingly supportive through out my time as an apprentice, they have provided us with regular updates from the business and the provider. The company has always taken on board any issues we've had and dealt with them quickly and appropriately with all the parties concerned

I have been provided with plenty of support, the provider is exceptionally supportive. The lecturers at Loughborough college are very experienced in their fields. There is plenty of support given in class, there are also lab equipment that is used to further understanding and all the lecturers are available on teams and via email.

Through learning for my HNC qualification I have been able to attain a good level of underpinning knowledge in electrical engineering. I use this knowledge on a daily basis to carry out work like, cable capacity limitation, circuit protection, electricity generation, transmission and distribution and network assessment under fault conditions.

There are many different extra curricular activities all or most of them are available on our internal internet. We have our own STEM program where we encourage engineers and volunteers to participate in the STEM program at a number of selected schools and colleges teaching young person about the STEM subjects.

Yes

I would recommend a friend to work at SSE because SSE have a great supportive environment where you will be supported throughout your career. SSE has also a lot of benefits including Share save scheme, pension contribution scheme, holiday plus scheme where you can buy more days to use as holiday and a car salary sacrifice scheme.

My advice for when applying for SSE would be to do some research in what we as a company do and what service we provide as they have changed of the last couple of years and will continue to change as we focus on the future of distribution and transmission.