Ryan Barnett - Apprentice Overhead Linesman
I'm in my final year of a three-year apprenticeship. I found out
about the trainee scheme when I was doing my AS Levels, and I was
attracted to the job because I wanted to work outdoors and do
hands-on, practical work. I can't wait to qualify next year.
Northern Powergrid is a really good company to work for. There
are lots of different types of work, and the programme is really
well set out. You do 12 weeks at college to qualify with an NVQ
Level 2, and you also learn out in the field as part of a team.
There are many different elements to Northern Powergrid, and you
get to see all of them.
On a day-to-day basis, I help to fix and rebuild overhead power
lines and do fault finding, making sure that people who have lost
their supply get it back quickly. My supervisor is issued a job,
and we go and have a look at how we can fix it. Every day is
different - one day you could be outside fixing a line, and the
next you'll be working in someone's house. I love the practical
side of the work, and I think there is a good future for me
here.
I'm really pleased with the help and support, and they teach you
a lot. Northern Powergrid offers a really good salary and benefits,
and they want to support you throughout your career. I'm looking
forward to getting my qualifications, becoming a full-time Overhead
Linesman, and gaining more competencies. I may also continue to
study for an HNC, so I can become an engineer in the future.
If you are hard working, have a head for heights, don't mind
travelling to different places and like working outdoors - even in
the winter - then this is a great job. You don't need to have had
similar experiences or qualifications either. It's a job for life,
and an excellent career.