Graduate Asset Management Engineer Review

The National Grid Graduate Development Program is truly an incredibly comprehensive experience.
The program can be sub-divided into three components; on-the-job learning/development, role-related structured training programs, and a formal program with Capfinity to develop soft skills and enhance ways of thinking.
The on-the-job learning/development experience was extremely rewarding and quite hands-on. You are involved in a variety of different components of the job with the aim of exposing you to as many elements of the organisation as possible.
The structured job-related training programs run throughout the course of the 18-month long Graduate Scheme with the aim to build competency and awareness of a variety of components which will benefit one in their role. These ranged from offsite practical trainings to online workshops which were all highly insightful.
The soft-skill development program run by Capfinity was quite useful as well as it focused on developing and exposing fresh graduates to realistic scenarios that they will come across through the course of their careers. These included new ways of thinking, problem-solving, engaging in difficult conversations in the workplace, and dealing with workplace conflict in an effective and respectable manner. Other important areas of development surrounded presenting effectively and building a brand for one's self.

My Graduate Scheme comprised of three, six-month long placements, and I took on three different roles as part of each placement.
My first role was that of a Graduate Asset Management Engineer within the Asset Management Strategy Team. The role comprised of long-term strategical planning encompassing the management of assets in the organisation in an optimised manner with an exclusive focus on the realisation of the risks that the network possesses.
My second placement took me to National Grid Ventures where I worked as a Graduate Development Engineer working on 4 Interconnectors which were HVDC lines running from the UK to surrounding countries in Europe. The role involved assessing investment options and projects and ensuring they are developed in alignment with the Company's Project Development Process.
Finally, my third placement brought me back to the Transmission Business (NGET) as a Power System Engineer. The role encompassed developing knowledge and understanding of Power System Analysis and streamlining the processes the department engages in to highlight potential gaps and identifying efficiencies to be extracted.
I enjoyed the level of autonomy I was given towards the work I was engaged in throughout the course of each of my placements. I also really appreciated the supportive nature of each of my managers who tailored the program in a manner which would maximise the benefit I would receive.

You are treated as an equal, and encouraged to share your opinions. Your thoughts are valued and heard. You are encouraged to seek opportunities and satisfy your appetite to get involved in a variety of work streams.

I think the compensation package is extremely competitive. In addition to the salary, other benefits include a highly attractive pension package with additional investment opportunities in the form of Employee Share Plans.
Other benefits on the Graduate Scheme included a monthly accommodation allowance which contributed to graduates who were relocating and renting accommodations for their role.

The Scheme is organised in a way to very seamlessly transition you into your first-post-scheme role. By the time you are coming off the scheme, you feel more ready than ever to take on the additional level of responsibilities that the post-scheme role entails.

Everyone was highly supportive. The lines of support included Line Managers, Business Coordinators, Graduate Buddies, fellow Graduate Peers as well as formal Employee Assistance Programs.

The company culture encourages you to maintain an effective work-life balance. You are rarely expected to work overtime. However, if you do have to work overtime, you are awarded Time Off In Lieu (TOIL) which you can use accordingly. Physical and Mental well-being is prioritised.

The organisational culture was an immense highlight for me throughout the course of my Graduate Development Program. The company has very clear values and ensures all work conducted is directly aligned with them. The hybrid working policy is very accommodating with additional perks such as the company catering for any work equipment required to set-up a personal workspace in one's home for work.

DEI is a predominant theme in the organisation and it is truly well-embedded in the ways of working. It is a constant consideration and formal avenues such Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) are also present to celebrate DEI in the workplace.

Yes

It is a company which treats you and respects you like a human being. It is a people oriented workspace which celebrates its people and employs avenues to support its employees.

The recruitment process was very comprehensive and consisted of 5 particular stages, the 5th being the final offer letter. The role exceeded my expectations based on the recruitment process.