Every action has an impact.
People and industry demand energy and, as the UK's largest utility business, we help supply it. With thousands of kilometres of overhead lines and gas pipelines, this is a huge engineering estate demanding a constant supply of talent. To meet this demand, we 'grow our own' on a number of programmes suitable for everyone from school-leavers through to 'career changers' and recent engineering graduates.
For more information go to: http://www.nationalgrid.com/freshtalent
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Where would I be based?
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Q: Will I receive full pay whilst training?
Q: What kind of people are you looking for?
For more information go to: http://www.nationalgrid.com/freshtalent
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Q: What is the salary for a Foundation Engineer?
Q: What are the entry requirements for a Foundation Engineer?
2 A-Levels: Grades A - C (1 must be in either Maths, Physics or Engineering)
BTEC National Certificate Level 3 / Diploma / ONC in Electrical and Electronic Engineering: Merit or above (it is essential that the Math's modules should be at Merit or above)
HNC / HND in Electrical, Electronic or Mechanical Engineering
Bachelors degree in Maths, Physics, Chemistry or any Engineering discipline
Q: How many positions are you recruiting for this year?
21 - Electricity Construction (various locations)
11 - Field / Substations (various locations)
7 - Power System Design & Planning (Warwick)
12 - Power System Operations (Berkshire)
These will start in September 2010.
For more information go to: http://www.nationalgrid.com/freshtalent
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Q: What is the Construction Engineer Training Programme?
Q: What is the salary and benefits for a Construction Engineer Trainee?
Q: What are the entry requirements for the Construction Engineer Training Programme?
5 GCSEs (grade A-C) including Maths, English Language and one from a Science / Technology / Engineering subject.AND / OR
ONC Engineering (Civil, Construction, Building Services, Electrical and Mechanical) AND NVQ L3 Managerial qualification AND demonstrable leadership qualities.
Whatever your background, you'll need a full driving licence.
For more information go to: http://www.nationalgrid.com/freshtalent
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Find out more from our people:
Michelle Moore - National Grid Apprenticeship programme - First call Engineer
Q: What does your job involve?A: I'm one of National Grid's army of emergency response engineers. As a first call engineer, it's my job to attend and make safe gas escapes reported by the public.Q: How long have you been working at National Grid?A: Five years
Q: What inspired you to study engineering?A: After leaving school I had a series of administration and clerical jobs, but it was when I joined National Grid's metering division that I decided life behind a desk was not for me. I've always been a technically minded person so when the opportunity arose to join National Grid's apprentice scheme, I jumped at it.
Q: Detail your career path so farA: My training took two years and consisted of a great deal of classroom work, practical exercises and assessments. At the end of it I had my City & Guilds and NVQ level 3 qualifications. This was followed by a period of on-job training where I partnered one of my colleagues, but now I am fully qualified and can attend jobs on my own.
Q: Would you encourage others to consider an engineering career?A: Yes. I'm very glad I moved into engineering. I now have a very responsible and enjoyable job and the prospect of a long-term career. I'm hoping to do more training to move away from domestic work and into the commercial and industrial work. After that, I can look at moving into a managerial role.
Q: How would you sum up your job in three words?Challenging, interesting and thoroughly enjoyable
For more information go to: http://www.nationalgrid.com/freshtalent
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Reme Chikwanha Foundation Engineer - National Grid
27 year old Reme works for National Grid as a Foundation Engineer, he has been in this role since 2008. We asked him what his job entails and what it is like working for National Grid.
Q: What is your educational background?A: After leaving college in Zimbabwe, Reme moved to the UK to study an HND in Electrical and Electronic Engineering at Milton Keynes College.
Q: What were you doing previously?A: This is Reme's first job following his educational studies.
Q: How did you get into this industry?A: Reme has always enjoyed the challenges offered by technical subjects and in 2008 Reme applied to National Grid to enter their Foundation Engineer programme.
Q: What training/qualifications have you done with your job?A: Reme is currently training to become a Field Engineer and aims to complete his programme by September 2010. He is also studying for a Foundation Degree at Aston University and plans to complete this by July 2010.
Q: What do you do on a day-to-day basis?A: Around 40% of Reme's time at the moment is spent in the classroom. However, he undertakes plenty of hands-on activities in the field, particularly in relation to assisting electrical fitters carry out their maintenance work.
Q: What are your main responsibilities?A: As Reme is a trainee at the moment his responsibilities are limited to assisting experienced fitters in the field and in undertaking specific project-related activities.
Q: What do you enjoy most about your job?A: Reme enjoys the challenges that the job provides him as well as taking satisfaction from the fact that his efforts are helping society. He is also looking forward to taking up some of the wealth of opportunities that are open to him at National Grid - "you can set your own limits"!
Q: What do you like least?A: There are very few things that Reme dislikes about his job, although being out in all weathers isn't something that looks forward to as much as other aspects of his job.
Q: What advice would you give to someone who wants to work in this industry?A: Engineering in general is lacking enthusiastic young people and there are lots of opportunities open to people who are looking to make a difference in the world. Being on the Foundation Engineer programme also gives you an opportunity to learn something you enjoy while being paid! And you do really learning new every day.
Q: What do you like doing in your spare time/ do you have any hobbies?A: In his spare time Reme enjoys socialising with his friends, going to the cinema and going to the gym.
For more information go to: http://www.nationalgrid.com/freshtalent
