Transmission Apprentice Review

I am currently only one month into my apprenticeship and I am undertaking the 'overhead lines course' at the training school in Perth, Scotland. It is really good particularly at the moment to be starting a career given the circumstances around the world. It is good to be able to have some human interaction and meet my colleagues and fellow apprentices at the training school whilst adhering to all COVID-19 lockdown rules. I am extremely privileged and fortunate to be in the position I am in.

I have learned a lot since the start of my apprenticeship. Some of the internal rules and procedures within the company. The companies health and safety policies which is very important regarding the job I am going to be doing a lot with everyday things. I have also learned how to climb a wooden pole and it really is not quite something I would have expected to do within a couple of months of being employed. It is great fun and I feel alongside the group I am working alongside I am growing as a person too. Being one of the older members of the group, some of the younger people find me approachable and ask me some things which I am happy to help them with. I am learning as much as they are, but it's nice to see they ask me stuff with confidence that they think I will have an answer for them. It is a good way to get to know everybody and communicate with them too.

I am really enjoying the programme. At first I had no idea what t expect and the progress that has been made by not only myself but all apprentices has been phenomenal. With a good confident group of people that urge each other on and all connect well makes all the difference. There is a mixed age range from 18 to 26 years of age. It doesn't seem to affect anybody at all though, we all get on brilliantly and the fact the programme is so enjoyable is to do with our trainers also which are second to none. They make the programme much better, they join in with having a laugh and joke with the class, as well as when we are doing serious things, we all get in the zone and get our heads down to have the correct mindset for the job we are doing, for example climbing a wooden pole as there are many risks involved.

The programme has been well organised, it is difficult given the circumstances, but as with everybody they have adjusted the training centre in certain ways to accommodate everybody there. For example, there is a one way system throughout the whole training school, one in one out system in the toilets, hand sanitising stations almost everywhere, the speed we are learning our programme is also at a decent pace for everybody to steadily go along at, if there is any questions at all for the trainers, they will answer them for us to have a better understanding of things. Sometimes it isn't always easy to interpret things they way the teacher discus's it so all we have to do is ask and somebody else may described the same situation in a different manor for somebody to understand.

The employer has endless ways to support me. If it is to do with my own work, college work, mental health, family problems, financial issues, the list is truly endless. There is also a support line that I can contact 24/7 which at the age of 26 have never came across in a company before, so really is reassuring and supportive to know I have these options if I ever find myself in a situation where I need them. The trainers who are specifically taking the course we are currently doing are very friendly and easy going, they are easy to speak to and can point us in the right direction of things, nothing is to big or small for them to help us with. My manager is also very approachable and easy to get along with, I feel this is priceless. All staff I have met to date seem to have my best interests at heart which is important as me and my colleagues are the future of the company which is very reassuring.

I have briefly answered this in the above sections, however with college work the lecturers make it as interactive as can be given we are currently doing everything virtual and online. Fingers crossed we may be able to actually visit the college next time we are due to be there if it is safe to do so. It would be nice to meet the lecturers face to face and some people have different ways of learning. For me personally being behind a computer screen is not ideal. I prefer to be sat in a classroom taking notes first hand and if any questions I have are to be answered, it seems to be easier for me for them to be answered face to face. I just feel it is easier to understand and interpret if I have any little tweaks I can ask there and then instead of interrupting the whole class on the IT lesson where everybody seems to be a bit refined and shy to speak up.

As I am only 2 months into my apprenticeship I don't know how to answer this question as I haven't used my full potential out on a job yet. From what I have learned and brief feedback that has been given already, it seems to be going well and I am currently on track and doing my best. Along with all other apprentices on my course are coming along nicely and all doing well.

Similar to a previous question, I have never worked for a company that has so any opportunities for literally ANYTHING. There are all sorts of clubs within the work place being from sports and exercise to Microsoft excel learning sessions etc... Anything from taking your mind off work doing sports for an hour or so to expanding your breadth of knowledge on professional systems that are used daily within our working day. Given times were normal and no pandemic on, I have heard of several groups that I could join within the company from a lunchtime running club to 5/7 aside football with colleagues in evenings. So a very mixed opportunities for all sorts of people, regardless of hobbies and interests, there is something for everybody!

Yes

I have got several friends and family members that have worked and still do work for the company and have done for a range of years from 2-3 years ranging up to 30 years plus. I know it might seem surreal, but I have had many jobs in which I dread getting up to go to work for which I'm sure a lot of other people do to. Every single person I know that works for SSE loves their job. I am proud to have joined such a prestigious and well known company and want to wake up every morning and have that want to go to work mentality and attitude as well. So far so good, I am loving everything I am learning so far. When you are employed by a company like SSE, I am aware the options and opportunities for moving onwards and upwards or sideways throughout the company are endless. There are so many different departments a lot of people won't know about and with specific transferrable skills could easily move department also if you fancy a change or even better, to challenge yourself. Give me a reason why I wouldn't want to recommend SSE to a friend?

Do it. You will 100% not regret it. The only tip I would give is to read previous employers/apprentices starting experiences like I have done and tell me what wouldn't make you want to join a company like this.