We spoke to Foundation Degree Electrical Power Engineering student Alina about her experience on the course. She highlights its practical focus and excellent career prospects in the energy sector...
I chose to study at Aston University because the course was already established by my employer, National Grid, and was designed to prepare us for future roles as power system engineers.
Aston was selected by my employer and sponsor for my apprenticeship programem due to its strong collaboration with National Grid and the technical depth and content of its modules, which only a few universities offer especially in the area of electricity and power systems engineering.
What has been the highlight of your course?
The course has been incredibly insightful and provided me with a range of knowledge and skills. One of my favorite topics was Power Network Per-Unit Analysis in the first year, followed by Unbalanced Three Phase Circuits in the second year. These subjects are highly relevant to my current and future role as an electricity network planning engineer at National Grid ESO.
I thoroughly enjoyed the Protection course, which provided a deep understanding of the importance of safeguarding the GB transmission network, protecting assets from faults, and the potentially devastating consequences of faults on the high-voltage grid.
What have you enjoyed about the course?
A key aspect of this course is its practical application; everything we learn is directly relevant to our future careers, which means there is no wasted time on irrelevant material.
Each module is designed to equip us with the necessary knowledge, skills, behaviors, and engineering abilities to contribute effectively to our future employers. This tailored approach ensures that we are well-prepared to meet industry demands and make meaningful contributions to the company's development.
What did you think about the teaching throughout your course?
Initially, adjusting to the academic environment took some time, but it has been worth it. The course provides all the resources needed to build a successful engineering career. Whether through in-person classes (which I prefer) or online learning via Blackboard, the teaching methods are comprehensive and supportive, ensuring we developed the skills and knowledge required in engineering.
What skills have you learned on the course, and how are you applying these to your current job?
This course is specifically tailored for future engineers in electrical power systems. The most valuable skills I’ve gained include a solid understanding of electrical principles, power flow, and the engineering of network components such as transformers, electrical motors, and generators. These skills are directly applicable to my role as a planning engineer at National Grid ESO, the operator of the GB electricity transmission network, and will be crucial in my career development.
Has this course made a difference to your career?
The academic studies at Aston University are a part of my apprenticeship programme, so I was already employed before starting the course. However, Aston's engineering graduates are highly sought after by energy employers both nationally and internationally.
By completing my course at Aston it guarantees numerous career opportunities in the energy industry.