Power Network Electrical Power Protection and Plant Commissioning Engineer Review
at National Grid
Higher Level Apprenticeship
Engineering
Fleet, UK
Review Submitted: April 2021
Overall Rating
4.7 /5
The Overall Rating is the average of all the ratings given in each category. We take those individual ratings and combine them into one final score!
4.5/5
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Overview of Role
4/5
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Skills Development
4.6/5
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Structure and Support
Overview of Role
Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
5/5
Depending on the week I will either be at National Gird's training centre, at university or working on site. When on site I help in the maintenance, operation and testing the the transmission network, helping to keep the lights on and bring energy to life.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
While some mornings can be an early start, I am always ready to get up and go to work. Everyone in the work place is friendly and inviting helping you get stuck in and enjoy even the toughest of challenges.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
I have developed my skills in handling tools, operating equipment, communicating in the workplace and working in a team. I have learnt many new skill through the university course including everything from business awareness to complex modelling in electricity networks.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
4/5
The programme had a timetable that is updated ahead of scheduled training. Due to COVID 19 and a new planning team, at times the plan had undergone last minuet changes or not extend far into the future. However, this was mostly offset by easy communication with the staff at the training centre.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
Anyone within the company is always more than happy to help. When on site other employee love to help each other, sharing their knowledge and helping you with any of your problems. On top of this the company provides helplines for any issues that you feel cannot be solved within the company. The employee assistance program is one of these that can provide support for anything from debt advice to mental wellbeing.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
4/5
Every university lecture will give you help if and when you ask for it. The nature of fitting university around work means it can be very full on at times, so one to one help from the lectures is always the best way to keep up. For other issues the Learning Development Centre at the university can provide extra support giving you the edge needed to succeed.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
5/5
The learning I do as part of the qualification help you gain an in-depth theoretical knowledge for the concepts you apply in the work place. This knowledge also helps you gain a better understanding of the safety systems National Grid uses allowing you to work safer and with more confidence.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
5/5
Throughout the apprenticeship there are many opportunities to volunteer, from representing the company at national events to reaching out to young people to encourage them in engage into STEM subjects. While on site everyone is engaged hosting events to socialise with the team to build stronger relationships allowing everyone to work better together.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend National Grid to a friend?
Yes
Why?
National Grid has provided me with a carrier path in a field that I love, using a means that provide me with a foundation degree and year worth of work experience without any debt. From you very first day at site you feel like a valued member of the team, and it is things like this that make me existed for my future both in and out of National Grid.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to National Grid?
The energy sector, the area National Grid operates, was fairly unknown to me before starting the apprenticeship. Even just looking at National Grid's website can provide so much information that can be helpful in understanding the company and what the company is looking for in new recruits. On subject to be passionate about is the drive for green energy. National Grid is at the heart of the UK's energy revolution and is looking for recruits who are passionate about this.
