IET Power Academy - A Scholar’s Perspective

The talk intends to provide a light-hearted but incisive account of Peter’s experience of the power academy. This will cover: - Initial thoughts when applying: why Peter applied, what he thought he'd get out of it. - Range of experiences with National Grid. - Peter’s perceived successes and potential failings of the scheme, including improvements made after 2006. - Reflections on how it has changed him professionally, prepared and enthused him for industry.

Peter Haigh is a final year student in Electrical and Electronic Engineering at University of Manchester (formerly UMIST). Inspired initially by the opportunities for engineering a sustainable future and an interest in renewables, he took the decision to retrain to become a power engineer in 2005, and sought financial backing through various means. Once enrolled at Manchester, Peter was encouraged to apply for the power academy scheme by his industrial liaisons manager, Eddie Welch. Peter applied to 3 companies, had 2 interviews and decided to join National Grid. His interest in the field has consistently grown with time and he is now a staunch proponent of the excitement and interest of the sector, much to the amusement of many of his university colleagues! Peter join National Grid's graduate development scheme in 2009, after a year living, travelling, and photographing transmission assets in South America.