Trainee Substation Engineer Review
at National Grid
Higher Level Apprenticeship
Engineering
London
Review Submitted: April 2021
Overall Rating
5 /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
5/5
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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
Learning the necessary skills to provide a high level job role, learning the theory behind all the equipment that I will work on and applying this to the practical piece of equipment. Working in substations to help transmit electricity to the local distributers. In addition doing a University Foundation Degree to assist with the theory side.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
I enjoy my programme a lot due to the variety of different skills that I am being taught. This programme allows me to develop not only with the new skills but as a person. It is enjoyable as I am always doing something new and learning news things and developing these new skills and being able to put these into practice.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
I have learnt lots of new skills working for National Grid. A lot of the skills are new and some are also developed. The skills I have learnt and developed have been both practical based and theory based. These skills will help me complete my job to the level that is expected.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
5/5
It is very well organised with everyone knowing what is happening when. This was especially proven during Corona Virus as it all had to be done virtually, even then everything was still set out so it was easy to understand what needed doing and when. This made the structure of the program easier to understand when it couldn't be explained face to face.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
I receive a lot of support from many people from within the company. These include managers, mentors, colleagues and other apprentices from previous years. Everyone from within the company is willing to help someone if they need it or will find someone who can help them. There has never been a situation where I needed help and have not been helped and or not found the solution.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
5/5
I receive a lot of support from my training provider weather its the National Grid internal trainers or contracted trainers. The training providers will always make sure that everyone gets the same level of high of training. If you have got a problem with the work or even outside of work someone is there to talk to you and help you or find who can help you.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
5/5
The qualification I am completing helps me perform my job role to the highest standard as the qualification ensures I have to knowledge behind the practical work I am completing so it is always to the requirements needed to provide a safe and quality service. It also teaches me the reasoning that the quality and safety is imperative in every job I do.
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
There are many different extra-curricular activities that I am able to get involved with at work. Sports teams, social events, helping young people get into STEM subjects and promote the engineering businesses. social events such as full group outings to bowling allies with colleagues and new people, sports clubs such as the running club that is on all the time.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend National Grid to a friend?
Yes
Why?
It is a great company to work for as they provide extremely high levels of training, are there to help you with any of your problems work related or not, this includes paying for help that you may need if they personally cannot provide it. This is all also matched with a good salary.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to National Grid?
Make sure the course it correct for you. Practice maths skills from the basics to skills such as differentiation and complex numbers. Skills such as presentation skills and public speaking. Look up the company itself and find out the core values to see if they match you beliefs. Research renewable energy and progression to net zero as this will help you understand the company better.
