Substation Fitter Apprentice Review

My role is a substation fitter role which involves carrying out maintenance procedures on all the equipment within National Grid substations. Day-to-day involves working with collegues win a working party inspecting and maintaining equipment within a work specification. This can be working on out of service transformers/circuit breakers etc or simply inspecting earth clamps and earth tape. For each job there is a chosen person to hold all the relevant documentation making them the leader for the job to make each job go smoothly and safely and to avoid any confusion.

I am continuely learning communication skills as my career relies on effective communication. I am also improving my mechanical handling skills having previously been an apprentice mechanic, I find I am still learning to use various hand tools and lifting procedures. I have learned a great deal more about electricity and how it gets from the source to consumers homes. How it is manipulated and controlled to provide maximum efficiency and safety on the system.

The programme is a combination of learning and on site practical work which I find keeps it engaging and enjoyable. We also have frequent interviews to review our progress which I think helps create a positive learning experience as it shows that National Grid are passionate about their apprentices.

I feel very valued becuase we have been offered plenty of support and encouragement through the apprenticeship whilst learning and whilst working on site.

The programme is extremely well organised and is structered nicely to keep me engaged. I the mixture of time on site gaining practical knowledge and the theory whilst training at the academy gives a good balance to the course.

I have not had much need of support yet I am aware that many of the trainers will give extra time in the evenings to help with our learning.

I have not had need of much support yet myself however I am well aware of what support is available to me and I feel it helps to remove some of the pressure of the course knowing this.

The salary package is well over my current needs and (only having browsed for apprenticeships before starting here) I feel that there are very little or no other companies that offer a simial package for a level 3 advanced apprenticeship.

There are a few opportunities outside of work to get involved with community events. Such as going to schools/universities to represent engineering and encourage young children to get involved aswell.

Yes

I've been doing my apprenticeship for 6-7 months now and O have allready seen that this company will provide me with a life longer career with many possibilities and opportunities in the future if i choose it. I have enjoyed the first half a year so much and know i will enjoy the rest of my time within the company.

You most certainly will not regret it.