Apprentice Substation Engineer Review

by National Grid

Rating

3.8/10

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

As a Substation Apprentice I spend the majority of my time chasing logbook jobs. This entails calling engineers around the country asking them if I may join their working party. I also have completed training courses at the training centre and finished a foundation degree at Aston University

2/10

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

I have completed both NEBOSH and Foundation degree qualifications during my time. I have also learnt how National Grid substations are maintained and commissioned.

2/10

3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?

I have found that my on the job experience has been invaluable and will be of great benefit to me in the future. The Apprenticeship side of the course is not enjoyable and often clashes with the interests of site.

5/10

4. How well organised/structured is your programme?

The Apprenticeship is poorly organised and often feels as if management are making rules and procedures up on the spot under the guise that they are ensuring compliance. Communication channels are poor and often leave apprentices in the dark as to what is expected of us.

1/10

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

My on site employer is very supportive and is always looking to develop my skills as an engineer.

9/10

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

Fairly supported as I have been able to achieve distinctions in all courses completed so far.

7/10

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

There is no need to join the apprenticeship to become a substation engineer. If you have any experience working as any form of engineer or fitter/craftsperson it is worth entering as a direct hire AND NOT AN APPRENTICE.

1/10

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.)

Field staff are very under funded with respect to extra-curricular activities at work

3/10

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

9b. Why?

The hiring process is a mess and the salary scales do not reward going above and beyond. The apprenticeship contains enumerable hoops that all apprentices must jump through for the company to secure government funding. This leads to unnecessary stress on top of all of the skills that need to be learnt to perform as a substation engineer.

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

Apply for direct hire roles only, DO NOT APPLY FOR THE APPRENTICESHIPS.