How did you find out about JE's bursary scheme and what encouraged you to apply?
I discovered the bursary scheme through a friend who was already part of the program. He highly recommended that I apply. At the time, I was in my first year at Newcastle University and actively searching for job opportunities for the upcoming summer. The scheme aligned perfectly with my studies, which focused on power networks and alternating current power and conversion, at Newcastle.
The financial support and guaranteed paid work experience offered by the bursary scheme were great incentives. They allowed me to prioritise my studies and reduce the time spent worrying about finances and searching for work placements during term time.
Tell us about some of the projects you have worked on.
During my time at JE, two particularly exciting projects have stood out. The first involved addressing partial discharge (breakdown of insulating material) at the Western Primary site near Jersey Airport. We discovered a partial discharge issue on one of the newly installed bushings, which was an issue we needed to solve quickly.
This project provided invaluable insights into how JE’s engineering professionals tackle problems, starting from initial reporting, to brainstorming and then, finally, resolution and review.
Another noteworthy project I participated in focused on detecting and repairing a leaking underground oil-insulated cable. This required an understanding of cable insulation, advanced fault detection methodologies, and the principles of fluid dynamics.
Working with with an oil-insulated system was particularly enlightening, given its crucial role in efficient power transmission within modern power systems.
How does your experience at JE support your studies and future plans?
My time at JE has been an invaluable supplement to my academic journey, bridging the gap between theory and practice. The hands-on experience has provided me with a great understanding of power generation, transmission, and distribution dynamics, shedding light on areas like balancing, frequency control, system reliability, and operational efficiency.
These experiences have provided me with a much better framework for career choices. The mentors I've had have been very helpful at breaking down complex systems into digestible concepts, encouraging further research on my part.
Moreover, the financial support from the bursary has significantly alleviated the pressure of working part-time while studying, allowing me to fully focus on my academics.
What do you enjoy most about being on JE's bursary scheme?
One aspect I cherish is the opportunity to work with a wide range of inspiring and diverse individuals. The team at JE is incredibly friendly, comprising members from all kinds of backgrounds. I have always received high levels of guidance and support, and I am always guided in the right direction. The collaborative and supportive environment fosters personal and professional growth, making every day enjoyable and fulfilling. Every single day has been completely different in the eight or so weeks that I’ve completed so far.
What advice would you give to someone considering joining JE's bursary scheme?
I would encourage anyone considering the scheme to give it a go! I would recommend that all university students should actively seek relevant work experiences during holidays, which can often be challenging to find.
JE’s bursary scheme not only provides financial support for studies but also offers guaranteed paid work experience. Even if unsuccessful in their application, the process itself will support you when is comes to applying to other roles and positions. I had personal experience from other jobs, but this scheme has built on that and I strongly recommend it!
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