Advanced Apprentice Review

Gas Apprentice PCS During the apprenticeship we are guided through a number of qualifications while at Eakring Training Centre as well as working on site with technicians when we are away from Eakring giving us an opportunity to complete work as we would when we are qualified.

I have learned many new skills in Electrical and Instrumentation and I have gained some qualifications such as getting my PAT testing certificate. All of National Grids training courses are internal so I dont leave the training site. National Grid are very keen on developing personal and professional skills and at the beginning of the apprenticeship they put on many development programmes to make us all aware of National Grid beliefs.

Some aspects of the programme are great and have a good balance of practical and theory however there are other elements which dont give a clear understanding of how they are important to our role and are also delivered in a powerpoint fashion. The company has a great view on ethics in the workplace and this is drilled into us from the offset which allows a very comfortable working enviroment.

Due to recent problems with my mileage and working hours (in which I do more hours than anyone else and get less money for it) I feel very unappreciated. Also, after reviews from managers I feel that they have not recognised the huge effort I have put in. But, I am involved with good tasks when I am on site which I have found very helpful, but these need to be more frequent. I don't feel valued as an employee, and certain members of staff at the training centre continue to talk to the apprentices like they aren't valued and can be very rude.

Unfortunately there have been numerous changes to our programme throughout the apprenticeship due to certain things, but we are getting everything we need to get done complete. The main reason for most of the changes have been because of changes to the courses and not a good idea of how long is actual required by each course.

National Grid as a whole do try very hard to support us through the apprenticeship and this is very clear. During all review meetings the support phone numbers are mentioned and they encourage us to learn them. They give a very positive attitude to supporting me and my role within the company fairly well.

I have a review with my mentor when i am working onsite for more than 2 weeks, to catch up with and feedback on my site progress. Both my mentor and manager are approchable so i can ask them if i have a problem or query. They do a good job with the majority of the apprentices within the company though.

As an apprenticeship, the wages are good. The fact I am stuck at the training centre the majority of the time also means that it is difficult to spend my money but when I am on site I am losing money due to the large distance on which I travel without receiving mileage money currently. I would move closer however I cannot currently afford it on my wages.

An area of the company seems to be working on providing more out of work activities however they seem to be for people working out of the offices rather than technicians so it would be nice to get other work outside for my type of job currently. I think there should also be posters up at work and other activity information.

Yes

Good company, feel looked after better compared to my last job. Had to take a pay cut but more oppurtunity for more money later on in my career. Would only really talk about my job/role as don't know much about the other jobs available. I think they offer great opportunities though and you can progress through the company too.

Prepare for the assessment centre with examples of times you have worked in an engineering environment regardless of how trivial it may be. Show enthusiasm for the field and motivation to become a qualified technician. Ensure you know about the company and do the best you can in the interview.