Power networks craftsperson Review

by SSE

Best Apprenticeship Employer

Rating

4.4/10

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

Attending underground cable faults, live and dead LV jointing as well as HV jointing. Digging out joint holes, bits of linking and backfeeding.

8/10

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

The jointing school at SSE is excellent and I can not fault it, they will teach you everything you need to know about how to joint when you go out on site. I have been lucky with the jointer I work with as he filled in any other blanks.

10/10

3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?

The programme itself has been an uphill battle from day one. I enjoy the job itself and being out on site but can not say I've enjoyed the programme.

2/10

4. How well organised/structured is your programme?

The organisation is poor. If you do choose an apprenticeship with SSE be prepared to do a lot of chasing. I found the biggest help has been the lads I work with.

3/10

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

Support is pretty non existent until you raise it to enough people they will pass the buck and nothing will ever fully be solved.

3/10

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

Again not a lot, I get the feeling they may be to detached from the actual work environment and will set you targets that feel impossible and wont give much if any guidance along with the targets. A "just get on with it" attitude at times.

4/10

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

The qualifications that you will complete at the college do not help you in your role, it is to do with funding for the apprenticeship. The practical training offered by SSE helps and will teach you the basics of using hand tools up to jointing HV cables.

4/10

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.)

None

1/10

9a. Would you recommend SSE to a friend?

9b. Why?

The apprenticeship needs a lot of work I can not see it changing and would be gutted to put a friend through what I have been through. Although the job at the end is very good.

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

When I applied I was told that the apprenticeship was a pain but just keep going and eventually you will finish and wont have to do it again. Attach yourself to your work colleagues as they will be able to help you out more than anyone else.