Power System Engineer Review

I will be managing, operating, or studying the National Electricity Transmission System. During the apprenticeship I have completed a foundation degree in Power System Engineering and completed projects that show competency for the apprenticeship standard.

I have developed skills from in-house and external training sessions, these include: time management, asset management, management of my mental wellbeing, presentation skills, DSE safety, fire safety, manual handling, and IOSH managing safety.

The apprenticeship is very engaging and has provided me with numerous learning opportunities. During covid National Grid have been excellent in providing reassurance about job security and providing support. The opportunity to study at a university and also receive training on other topics is excellent.

The New Talent team at National Grid are fantastically organised and update us on any changes made to our schedule with plenty of notice, this was highlighted during the uncertainty of covid. During the onboarding process we were given all of our timetables and additional information packs and since then it has all been handled very well. The layout of the course is well thought out, there are very few deadline conflicts between the university work and the apprenticeship standard.

The New Talent team are always contactable and I have access to a wide pool of ex-apprentices who are all willing to help. The IT team are always fast and happy to help.

The university provides support with our specialist course and the New Talent team guide us through the apprenticeship standard. I would say that there has always been someone to help when I have needed it. The expectations of the course are very clear so it makes working to very easy.

This apprenticeship allows me to enter the business with a very rounded knowledge of my role and the system that it is in, it would take longer to become comfortable in the role without it.

We have multiple sports teams including football and cricket, we do charitable events and community outreach programmes. There’s a Christmas party. During the apprenticeship there are numerous meetings with staff around the business to make connections.

Yes

The training is excellent. The course structure is manageable. The pension, benefits, and pay are excellent. The progression within the company after completion of the scheme are also very desirable.

Research the company that you’re applying for, get a good understanding of the values. Be yourself in the interviews and application process.