Higher Apprentice Electrical Power Network Engineer Review

by National Grid

Rating

9.2/10

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

Currently, writing my university assignments, and working on learning my role. Its office based with the occasional site visit. My team and I deal with problems on the energy network and finds solutions to when assets fail. Discovering how they failed and why, and can we prevent it happening again.

9/10

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

I've learnt a ton in this role. From the university course, developing on college, on electrical principals of circuits and thermodynamics for steam generation. And via training at our centre; where I got my license to go on site safety. To legislation and procedures relevant to my role.

10/10

3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?

I'm having a great time learning, there is always something to do. Covid had made the role somewhat less enjoyable, since site visits are limited and interactions brief. But the program itself has been great but very full on and hard work.

8/10

4. How well organised/structured is your programme?

Very. You always know what is coming up way in advance. For example I know how my course is going to end and what requirements they have of me, eventhough I'm 3 months into the program. University learning is done in blocks, and intense but informative.

10/10

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

Whenever I've been struggling with the workload, I have confidence that I can talk to my line manager to arrange some time catch up. There is plenty of support in place should you need it; I'm dyslexic and there is already time management for my exams.

9/10

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

The university course is directly created to supplement your learning, so all the usual university support is in place (eg. library, maths support and classes). Lectures go beyond to try and ensure you have manageable steps to understand the content, can email them for further support.

9/10

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

Its created through the relationship with National Grid. Hence everything on it is directly relevant to the role. So its not only helpful its basically required, without it it would be nigh on impossible to do my role.

10/10

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.)

Unsure about in person since I joined during Covid, but online there are plenty of seminars and teams meetings you can join to learn something new or volunteer. When I move to Warwick I'll partake in the Gym they have on site.

9/10

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

Yes

9b. Why?

Hard work, but very rewarding. With decent pay it feels good to work and enjoyable even though I'm still learning my role. If you enjoy a technical challenge you'll enjoy it here.

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

Make a good impression at the assessment centre/interview. Don't come across as overpowering, since you're gonna be part of a team. Do you research! Talk about the company and what you know. Get good grades and some work experience even if its dish washing, like I did.