Planning Engineer Review

by National Grid

Best Apprenticeship Employer

Rating

9.8/10

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

Using data systems to plan outages for maintenance/repair/commissioning of assets years ahead, which is to be passed onto the current year outage planners to complete checks to ensure the outage can go ahead.

10/10

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

Learnt new IT skills as I have learned how to use new systems and software. I have been able to develop my organisational and critical thinking skills.

10/10

3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?

I love this programme! I have learned so much already at university and have been able to relate it back to my workplace context which makes me think of problems which need solving

10/10

4. How well organised/structured is your programme?

Well structured and organised. I know what is happening in following weeks. There is variety each month from University, office, Eakring and site visits which makes me feel challenged and active (not bored)

10/10

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

There are various employees at National Grid that ensure that I am supported. I have my mentor/buddy/line manager/business coordinator/apprenticeship team so if I have an issue I know who I can turn to

10/10

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

Support for University is usually given by buddy/mentor and occasionally line manager if I ask them. For when an issue has occurred with University I have been able to reach out to the apprenticeship team to assist me in solving the problem.

9/10

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

I feel the qualification is really good and gives a great insight about my business sector. It can be tricky to always see the connection to my planning role when at university but when talking to colleagues when in the office it gives me a better context.

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 am part of a lot of Employee Relations Groups and have attended at least 5 different events out on to learn more about workplace culture, thinking of my future goals, developing a resilient mindset etc. I also a STEM ambassador.

10/10

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

Yes

9b. Why?

Workplace culture is amazing, people are supportive, the work itself is interesting and so important for the future of the country, the office has a gym free to use, people look out for each other, good amount of holidays given + can buy more and offer a share scheme.

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

Research about National Grid and see what work they do and how you would like to contribute/learn about more. If you have an interest and fit with the National Grid values then 1000% apply. Look at the stories section on the website to be more informed.