Alex Swaffer
Substation Higher Apprentice
Alex came from a domestic electrical background and was encouraged to pursue a career at National Grid by a family connection who spoke highly of the apprenticeship scheme. This passion for electrical engineering led him to realise that an apprenticeship at National Grid would offer the ideal combination of practical experience and academic advancement.
As a Substation Higher Apprentice based in the Southeast, Alex’s days are filled with a mix of college classes for his HNC in Electrical Engineering and hands-on work on site, including transformer maintenance and essential training sessions like first aid and firefighting. He discovered National Grid through his family connection, noting, “I always wanted to do a bit of theory… National Grid invests a lot of money in their apprenticeship scheme, making it a no-brainer to come here.”
One of Alex’s proudest achievements has been contributing to the construction of a major solar farm in Faversham, which he described as “the biggest in the UK.” He values the collaborative environment at National Grid, stating, “Your voice and work actually matter… we’re working towards a goal together of Net Zero.”
Reflecting on his journey, Alex expressed, “I think it’s really exciting to be at the forefront of something that means something. If you just put in the work and don’t take no for an answer, you’ll reap the rewards.”
Through his experience, Alex highlights the opportunities available at National Grid, firmly believing that “apprenticeships can be for anyone, and that everyone has value”.
