ET higher apprentice Review
at National Grid
Higher Level Apprenticeship
Engineering
Hythe, Kent
Review Submitted: April 2021
Overall Rating
4.9 /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!
5/5
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Overview of Role
5/5
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Skills Development
4.8/5
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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
Due to covid much of my daily job role has been achieved whilst at home. I typically spend most days working on university assignments, company projects and research. Occasionally we'll go up to the national grid training centre in Eakring where we'll learn hands on skills such as fitting and first aid.
Eventually once covid restrictions begin lifting we'll be able to work on site and there I'll perform maintenance operations on electrical equipment as part of the working party
Eventually once covid restrictions begin lifting we'll be able to work on site and there I'll perform maintenance operations on electrical equipment as part of the working party
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
Whilst it has been difficult adapting to working from home due to covid, the job is overall very enjoyable. Support is very easy to get if we have any issues with anything so problems tend to be very short lived. In person training at Eakring is extremely enjoyable and it's honestly a shame that we can't be up there more often due to covid
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
The main skill I would say I've learned at national grid so far would be communication. Coming from a school environment I didn't collaborate with other students outside of project work however grid has a very interconnected environment and working here even for the short time that I have has greatly strengthened my communication abilities.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
5/5
Although a bit rocky at the start due to covid, the program organisation has been nothing short of impressive. We've got a schedule that's a year in advance so we can plan our holidays and travel very easily. Getting on site has been an issue with the changing covid laws causing some disruption however we're always busy with stuff to do so there's never a dull day
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
We're extremely fortunate to have a personal mentor with a lot of experience who we can go to for support and guidance. My manager is always on call for support and advice, overall I'd say that national grid has a very supportive environment even in areas which other employers overlook like mental health.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
4/5
It's been very difficult with covid and I personally don't think my training provider was completely ready to take us on however although the first month was somewhat rocky; since then however the support has been fantastic especially considering the lack of mathematical knowledge that some of us went into the course with.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
5/5
Fundamental knowledge of how a system operates is essential to being able to effectively diagnose problems and work towards solving them. Our qualification gives us the insight necessary to be the most efficient engineers that we can be and understanding the processes involved in our work can help us foresee situations which could go wrong and help prevent that from happening.
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
Yes! personally I've joined the national grid 1 million meters in a month challenge and already it's a fun activity. Especially during covid it's been difficult to meet up with people who share my interest in running however national grid has a lot of different clubs and events and joining the running club was as easy as 2 clicks. We compete in virtual events and it's just a great way to meet and interact with new people in the company
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend National Grid to a friend?
Yes
Why?
The safety standard at national grid is second to none, they take real pride in keeping their employees and assets safe. National grid are also extremely fair, as long as you work hard and put the effort in you will essentially have a job for life because the need for the service grid provides isn't going to go away anytime soon.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to National Grid?
Learning the core values of national grid is a great start. National grid takes great pride in it's core values and knowing and understanding the workplace mentality here at grid is a great start to fitting in here. For this particular scheme I would recommend that anyone applying knows at least elementary calculus as the maths involved starts at that level
