At a Glance
- Tasks: Join GE Vernova as an Engineering Apprentice, gaining hands-on experience in substation design.
- Company: GE Vernova, a global leader in energy solutions, is shaping a sustainable future.
- Benefits: Earn a degree while working, with mentorship and real-world project experience.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for growth and learning in the energy sector.
- Why this job: Kick-start your engineering career with a world leader and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: GCSEs in English and Maths, plus Level 3 BTEC or A-Levels in relevant subjects.
The predicted salary is between 800 - 1400 £ per month.
GE Vernova are offering fixed-term positions for Level 6 Substation Design Engineer Apprenticeships, starting in September 2026. This is a 4-year programme with GE Vernova, including a 3-year programme with an additional 3-month End Point Assessment (EPA) at the University of Staffordshire.
As part of the apprenticeship, you will be enrolled in the Level 6 Embedded Electronics Systems Design and Development Engineer Degree Apprenticeship at the University of Staffordshire, based in Stoke-on-Trent. Your university learning will include one block week of face-to-face teaching per semester (approximately four days) at the Stoke-on-Trent campus, along with one day of online sessions per week. After each online session, you’ll be given assignments and tasks to complete during your working hours, supporting the required minimum of six hours per week of off-the-job training.
Throughout the apprenticeship, you will be based at GE Vernova’s offices in Stafford and Redhill. You’ll rotate through various engineering departments to gain both practical experience and theoretical knowledge.
This structured programme offers a blend of academic study and hands-on experience, equipping you with the skills needed for a successful engineering career in the high-voltage substation industry. This includes:
- One week of face-to-face teaching per semester at the university
- One online learning day per week
Key Features and Learning Opportunities:
- Spend four days per week at GE Vernova’s Stafford offices, rotating through the engineering departments to gain a broad understanding of high-voltage substations
- Gain hands-on experience using CAD software to produce 2D and 3D designs
- Be mentored by experienced high-voltage substation engineers
- Visit equipment manufacturing facilities to learn how substation components are designed and built
- Take part in site visits to understand substation construction and commissioning processes
- Develop skills in managing subcontractors and working in cross-functional teams
This is a fantastic opportunity to kick-start your engineering career with a world leader in energy technology, while earning a degree and gaining valuable industry experience.
Education / Professional Experience:
- Must hold Level 2 GCSEs in English and Maths - certificates must be provided
- Must hold Level 3 BTEC (Electrical/Electronic Engineering biased) or A-Level (Physics and Maths) qualifications. Minimum of 112 UCAS points are required but may consider lower if suitable candidates with prior experience, skills to offset criteria.
- Must hold a UK passport.
- Must not currently be on another government funded programme or apprenticeship.
Language: Proficiency in English is essential.
About Us:
GE Vernova is a global leader in energy solutions, delivering innovative equipment, systems, and services that ensure power is transferred reliably and efficiently—from generation all the way to end users. Through advanced grid technologies, we are accelerating the global transition to cleaner, more reliable energy—and we want you to be part of that journey.
If you’re ready to help shape a more sustainable future and make a real difference, we invite you to join us. With over 10,000 employees across approximately 70 countries, GE Vernova supports utilities and industries around the world in managing electricity more effectively. Our technologies help maximize the reliability, efficiency, and resilience of high-voltage power networks. In fact, 90% of the world’s power transmission utilities are equipped by GE Vernova.
Now, our UK-based High Voltage (HV) Substation Design team in Stafford is offering a unique opportunity to become part of this global mission. We’re launching a Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship designed to develop the next generation of Substation Design Engineers. This is a challenging and rewarding path, offering hands-on experience in large-scale, real-world projects, supported by GE Vernova’s expert teams and educational partners. You’ll gain valuable qualifications and become a key contributor to powering a cleaner energy future.
Engineering Apprentice in Stafford employer: GE Vernova, Inc.
GE Vernova is an exceptional employer, offering a unique Level 6 Substation Design Engineer Apprenticeship that combines academic learning with hands-on experience in the energy sector. Located in Stafford, this programme not only provides valuable industry exposure and mentorship from experienced engineers but also supports your educational journey at the University of Staffordshire, ensuring you develop the skills needed for a successful engineering career while contributing to a sustainable energy future.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Engineering Apprentice in Stafford
✨Get Hands-On at Local Workshops
Don’t miss out on local engineering workshops and hackathons! They’re a brilliant way to learn something new, meet fellow aspiring engineers, and often, company reps will be scouting for fresh talent. Plus, you can mention your hands-on experiences at these events during your interviews!
✨Join Engineering Societies and Clubs
Get involved with engineering societies at your school or in your area. These communities often host talks, networking events, and even competitions, which can open doors to apprenticeship opportunities. Plus, chatting with industry professionals is never a bad idea!
✨Show Off Your Passion Online
Consider starting a blog or a social media account where you can share your engineering projects, ideas, and learnings. This not only demonstrates your passion but also your initiative. Share the link on your application to really showcase who you are!
✨Don’t Wait, Apply Early!
Apprenticeships often have early application windows, so keep an eye on GE Vernova, Inc.’s website and get your applications in as soon as you can. The earlier you apply, the more likely you are to secure an interview and land that coveted position!
We think you need these skills to ace Engineering Apprentice in Stafford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for an engineering apprenticeship at GE Vernova, Inc., make sure to highlight any relevant technical skills and subjects you've excelled in. Include specific projects or coursework that demonstrate your understanding of engineering principles—anything from physics projects to CAD designs can really make your application stand out!
Include Your Learning Experience:Since this is an apprenticeship, we want to see how keen you are to learn. In your cover letter, talk about what you hope to gain from this opportunity at GE Vernova, Inc. and how it aligns with your career goals. Don’t be shy—express your enthusiasm for getting hands-on experience!
Tailor Your CV for Engineering:Make sure your CV reflects your passion for engineering. List relevant coursework, skills, and any hands-on experiences like workshops or engineering clubs. Feel free to use a clear and structured layout so it's easy for the hiring team at GE Vernova, Inc. to see your qualifications at a glance.
Keep it Visual—If Possible!:If you've worked on any engineering projects, consider including visual elements in your application—like pictures, graphs or even a small portfolio link. This isn’t mandatory, but visuals can help us appreciate your work and problem-solving skills more effectively!
How to prepare for a job interview at GE Vernova, Inc.
✨Showcase Your Passion for Engineering
Since you're applying for an apprenticeship, it’s crucial to demonstrate your genuine enthusiasm for engineering. Be ready to talk about any projects you've done, be it in school or in your spare time, as this shows your commitment and eagerness to learn on the job at GE Vernova, Inc..
✨Get Hands-On with Technical Questions
Expect some technical queries related to basic engineering principles. Brush up on subjects you’ve covered in your studies, such as materials science or thermodynamics. They might throw a scenario your way to gauge how you would approach solving a problem—don't be afraid to think aloud!
✨Demonstrate Your Teamwork Skills
Apprenticeships often require working in teams, so be prepared to discuss how you've worked with others in school or during any group projects. Share specific examples that reflect your ability to collaborate and communicate effectively, as this is highly valued in engineering roles at GE Vernova, Inc..
✨Ask About Learning Opportunities
Make sure to prepare some questions about the apprenticeship itself, like how training will be structured or the types of projects you'll tackle. Showing curiosity about your growth will impress the interviewers at GE Vernova, Inc., demonstrating that you're ready to dive into the learning experience.
