Ian - Logistics Manager

As a school leaver, I was seeking employment and felt I needed a craft, hence a craft apprenticeship with a well-established and respected employer would be ideal.

My role can be quite diverse, engaging with the many differing aspects of National Grid across multiple site locations, meeting both internal and external stakeholders. This week for example I have assisted on an interview recruitment panel, I have visited and reviewed the performance of our Helicopter Unit, I have chaired a monthly meeting of NGED senior managers that are involved in NGED property, transport and smart metering, I have met with the telecom operator Ofcom to discuss the future of telecom infrastructure that serves the electricity industry, all mixed in with various communications via phone, email and administration that touches on safety, finance, employee relations, marketing etc.

Being part of a well-respected progressive business that has a clear drive to continually improve, not just for the short term but also for the long term, which in return benefits our customers, our employees and the role that we play in society i.e. Delivering a cost effective and continuous supply of electricity, all of which is underpinned within an excellent working environment.

Employees are expected to make a difference in National Grid. As an employee we are treated well which in turn is reflected in the professionalism and high service standards delivered to the public and our customers.

There are so many roles within Western Power Distribution, success can be what you want it to be; whether that be, in a role a for 10, 20 to 40years plus, a career change every few years sideways or upwards, become a specialist in your field or become a generalist. The opportunities are wide, varied, some challenging and some not too demanding; success is what you make it.

National Grid is strong on coaching and mentoring who aim to bring the best out of our people. Training is provided when required and in some roles, training is obviously essential. Career progression in National Grid needs to be owned by the individual, with many varied roles across a large geographical area served by our multiple offices and depots, you cannot guarantee your next career step is on your doorstep, but for those who want it and work for it, have a track record of getting it.

I have been fortunate to have had a number of memorable achievements within National Grid, but the biggest and most relevant was making it through the massive apprentice intake program that gave me my first foot on the ladder; without that I would not have been able to embrace all that NGED has to offer to its employees. I was and I am no different to any new starter, there is more than a job to be gained at NGED, if you want it.

My biggest challenge was applying for and securing the senior manager role of Transport Manager. This was after 16 years of progressing from being an electrical craft apprentice, through varying engineering roles, team leader and line management roles that put me in good stead to try a change in career direction without leaving the company. The role of Transport Manager was still about managing assets and service levels, but they were completely different assets; it was my drive to succeed and my keenness to learn that set me on a career change that involved study, staying away from my home and continue my own professional growth within National Grid. I have since held three further senior manager roles since being Transport Manager, all diverse in nature but complimentary to my personal development and NGED.