Jenn Turay
Associate Craft Person, Substation Worker
Meet Jenn, a Substation Craftsperson Apprentice at the National Grid, who is here to tell you about her role within the business.
Jen is a Substation Craftsperson Apprentice, and her role involves a variety of maintenance tasks on site. “We do a lot of maintenance with the equipment we have, including routine inspections,” she explains. “We check oil levels, refill them, and look for hot joints on our equipment using thermal imaging. It’s all about ensuring our assets are in top condition.”
Inspired by her father, a mechanical engineer at the Dagenham Ford plant, Jen was encouraged to pursue a practical career path. “He always encouraged me to go for the more hands-on route through an apprenticeship,” she shares. “He took me to an open evening for an engineering sixth form, and that’s where I fell in love with the field.”
When asked about her favourite aspect of working at National Grid, Jen highlights the travel and the people she meets along the way. “I get to travel up north, to the Midlands, and down south, meeting so many lovely people. I’ve made firm friends while experiencing different sites and cultures,” she says, recalling her time in Brighton with a particularly lively team.
Reflecting on her growth, Jen notes, “I came in feeling shy and not very confident, but now I walk into a site with assurance. I find myself giving advice to other apprentices, just like I received when I started.”
She encourages others, especially young women, to consider apprenticeships in engineering: “If you’re thinking about it, just do it. There are so many avenues into engineering.” Her final piece of advice for newcomers is simple: “People are more ready to help you than you think. Don’t hesitate to ask for assistance; it’s a crucial part of learning and growing in your role.”
