Tom Herbert

I spent my summer placements working in their offices assisting with detailed design work on live projects and supporting investment planning decisions. This provided a great insight into some of the roles at Northern Powergrid and into electricity distribution. 

This really helped me get a feel for the direction I wanted my career to progress in once I had finished studying. It also made my decision to take a permanent role at Northern Powergrid after graduation easy, as I had already got a feel for the job and had made some contacts within the company.

Since graduating I have worked in a variety of roles as an operational engineer. Firstly, providing new connections to the electricity network for customers, and then more recently carrying out protection and switchgear commissioning, and maintenance works on Northern Powergrid’s network. 

My role is primarily site based and I get to deliver some really challenging projects to improve the network and make it more resilient. The work I do helps to modernise and replace an aging asset base and enables the transition towards a decarbonised energy future.

The Power Academy provided me with a brilliant opportunity and enabled me to make contacts both within Northern Powergrid and within the wider industry. This was incredibly valuable and was integral in forming the basis for the career that I have, and enjoy today.