Power Network Craftsperson Review
at SSE
Level 3 Apprenticeship
Engineering
Poole, Dorset
Review Submitted: April 2022
Overall Rating
3.6 /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!
3/5
-
Overview of Role
4/5
-
Skills Development
3/5
-
Structure and Support
Overview of Role
Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
3/5
Apprentice jointer. I am learning how to cable joint on the electricity distribution network. Day to day I work on site being mentored by a trained and qualified jointer. They talk me through what is happening and also provide personal supervision when I am working on the network. I also attend college and SSE training school to gain the skills and knowledge required for my role.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
3/5
I very much enjoy my programme. It can be a little stressful at times when trying to complete evidence for trailblazer and also completing courses. It is a lot of information to take in especially if you have no prior experience. However I do still enjoy all the learning aspects and pushing to gain more knowledge.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
I have learnt a huge amount of new skills when I attended SSE training school to complete my first jointing course. I learned a full introduction into cable jointing which was very new for me and I was also able to develop my existing hand skills i.e. using tools and equipment etc.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
3/5
Overall the organisation is okay. Being depot based is sometimes not well organised as apprentices need to collect evidence for trailblazer, however it can be difficult to collect this if the work isn't available. Sometimes it feels as if apprentices are the last thing to worry about and we are left in the dark.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
4/5
Support is available if you need it. There is however a lot of pressure which can sometimes feel quite negative which has the opposite effect of feeling supported. Managers are generally very good at offering me support and I feel I could approach if I needed help. Also learning team at SSE are extremely approachable and it is nice to have females in this role.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
3/5
The support is ample in order to complete our qualifications. Some teachers vary in how they teach so sometimes, those who may not have a great understanding are overlooked for those who do have an understanding. This can be a little daunting as you feel like everyone is ahead of you. Other teachers notice those who struggle and do offer the support.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
3/5
I have definitely learnt some knowledge that has helped with my understanding of how my role works. There is a lot that I feel I haven't used during my role as yet but this may come in the future? Working on maths skills has improved my ability to think faster when on site.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
2/5
I haven't heard about any other activities outside of work? When at college we play football together however this is organised by ourselves and not the company. In terms of depot based I am not aware of any activities available for employees to take part in. I think some employees do meet outside of work but this isn't something I am involved in.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend SSE to a friend?
Yes
Why?
Overall a good start to the apprenticeship. I have already learnt a huge amount of knowledge and I'm sure this will only improve with more experience and exposure. I have felt very welcomed into the company and so far everything is going as planned. There are things for the company to work on though.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to SSE?
Research the role your applying for. Understand what the company does. Be prepared for tasks which involve thinking quickly and coming up with solutions for unforeseen problems. Be open and honest about your previous experience as it is a good conversation builder with your interviewer. Ask as many questions as you can to show you have genuine interest in the role.
