Apprentice substation craftperson Review

My role involves attending regular training at Eakring training centre, attending site where I will assist other craftpersons in maintenance, repair, routine and admin jobs. Through my first year at National Grid, I spend a lot of time completing a portfolio on my apprenticeship work such as jobs and knowledge assessments.

I have learnt loads of new skills and development new skills with National Grid. I have developed my skills with using power and handheld tools to complete jobs whilst on site. I have also learnt new skills in reading and understanding engineering drawings, involving following the drawing to produce assessment pieces.

I really enjoy my programme as it has a wide variety, this includes, site work and working with tools, being in a classroom and learning engineering maths, on my computer completing regular reviews and working on my portfolio. I believe the programme suits me well as I enjoy a variety in my work and the programme gives me this.

I feel that my programme is well structured to suit the needs to complete my portfolio by the end of my 3 years. My programme is given to me with easy access to it and shows my programme for the whole year which is really good because I have structure my annual leave to it.

National Grid gives me lots of support on my programme. There is a big team of individuals who work within the apprenticeship which I believe I can contact freely and get a good response. The regular reviews I attend is a great way that the company supports me with my progress and next steps.

My training provider is really good at issuing me relevant training material. I feel that I can contact them and will receive relevant information which I will be able to understand. During my qualification training I feel that they are well trained and can give me the knowledge I need to successfully pass.

The qualification I am receiving on my programme gives me a great in depth knowledge of my role. The skills I am learning about with help me understand why I am doing certain jobs on site and who the equipment I use on site actually works. I will develop highly by the end of the programme.

I feel that there are lots of activities that I can be involved with when I am at the training a school at Eakring, this includes football and getting in the on site gym. National Grid is a great company who will help fund any activities outside of work which I am looking to do.

Yes

I would and have recommended National Grid to a friend because they are a really great company to work for and the support is like none other. I see the pay as an apprentice is much higher than any other place which is a bonus and something the company is amazing for doing.

I would tell others to definitely apply as they will receive so much support and get great qualifications from the company. I think they should work hard from the start and they will never look back. Other advice would be to make the most out of Eakring as you will make friends for life.