IET Power Academy Scholar Review

The work was enjoyable and varied, I had a very practical placement, based in a workshop and office with regular site visits. The placement was discussed with me at detail upon choosing it from a wide and varied list of possible placements and was therefore well tailored to my interests.

Everyone I met in the large organisation was surprisingly friendly (in all locations, and there were many). I got on especially well with the office team where I was based, they made me feel valued and gave me real business critical tasks to carry out which made me feel valued.

The placement started with a 3 day induction program which included a global induction into the company whereby the expectations of what we were to achieve on our placement were set out, there was a clear review process and time was set aside by my placement manager, program manager and new talent development specialist to review my progress halfway through and at the end of my placement.

The work was varied and some days were busier than others, however there was always enough time to chat to experienced figures in the company, go along to company talks and attend site visits; all of which were encouraged by the company as part of new starter development, there is even a dedicated network designed to give new starters exposure to parts if the business that they would otherwise not see. Through this system I managed to visit a control center and a talk on future strategy which i found very interesting.

A lot! I wouldn't say 'I was running the show' but the level of responsibility given to me was just right (hence the 10/10 rating). I was allowed to work in hazardous environments (but low risk due to excellent safety procedures) which showed trust in my abilities. I was thrilled to be exposed to real working environments.

The placement gave a great feel for working in a large organisation, I was not stuck to my team all of the time, there were a number of placement students on the same placement as me (IET Power Academy), we were encouraged to collaborate with each other as often as possible so that each of us achieved better results at the end of our placement.

The atmosphere in the office I worked at was quite relaxed, colleagues were keen to share their knowledge with me as well as getting to know me. There was a sense of fun but this didn't detract from getting work done. Everyone was approachable and easy to get on with.

Before the placement there was regular communication as to the dates and location details of the placement as well as choosing which area of the business you wanted to work at. We were also given top tip guides from previous placement students.There was a clear development plan right from the start of the placement.

We were given three days of induction before we even started our individual placements, my placement manager invested a lot of time in me; developing my understanding of tasks and knowledge of the wider business. When I visited sites I was given tours and explanation of systems, I felt that there was a culture of investing time in new starters here.

I have been inspired by those that I have come into contact with whilst on my placement to endeavor to work for the company as a long term goal. It seams that the onus with the IET Power Academy program is on your continual employment with the company and you are supported by National Grid by being given the opportunity to receive a place on their graduate scheme subject to passing your final review.

Yes! National Grid offers a range of placements and you are mixed in from day one with those working in other areas of the business, this aids with networking as well as the opportunity to make new friends. As part of the IET Power Academy scheme there is an annual seminar for all Power Academy scholars during your placement, here you are able to network with all of the other scholars and explore the different companies in the scheme.

The cost of living and socialising was higher than average (Leamington Spa) but this is mitigated by the Power Academy bursary as well as the company salary. I have not spoken to anyone who has struggled financially during their time on placement, even from those who have had to commute from further afield.

Quite vibrant, Leamington Spa has a great nightlife and is relatively close to Birmingham and Coventry (although I spent most of my time in Leamington). There are loads of bars, pubs and restaurants and there seams to be a young crowd here (even through the summer). I would recommend it here.

Yes, The IET organises a Power Academy seminar every year. The company also has a network to encourage you to gain experiences such as site visits outside of your normal working department. Fellow placement students also get together regularly outside of work to socialise, this is great, especially if it's your first placement, they are the best people to talk to and share experiences with.