Network Control Development Programme Trainee in Warwick

National Grid is launching a brand new 18‑month Network Control Development Programme, designed to give you the skills, knowledge and real‑world experience to contribute to an expert team responsible for the real‑time operation of the high voltage electricity transmission system.

This is an exciting time to join National Grid’s Transmission National Control Centre (TNCC). We operate 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, ensuring timely delivery of the work that is planned on the network across England and Wales, as well as reacting swiftly and safely to faults and events such as storms and wildfires.

Due to rapid growth and our ambitions for NetZero, we are offering multiple opportunities to join our elite team of Control Engineers through an 18‑month development programme. We are keen to develop the right individuals to their full potential and there are clear progression opportunities to more senior roles as you build your capability over time.

Throughout this programme you’ll be trained to:

• Hold and maintain non‑geographic specific switching authorisations necessary for National Grid to conduct its activities on the Transmission Network.
• Deliver safe and timely access to the electricity transmission system.
• Monitor alarms and indications for networks and assets the TNCC has responsibility for.
• Ensure the live control system (SCADA) accurately reflects real‑time operations on site as directed by authorised ET Operations staff.
• Subject to obtaining the appropriate authorisation, develop switching strategies in conjunction with the National Energy System Operator (NESO) to allow the outage plan to be delivered.
• Subject to obtaining the appropriate authorisation, support network development activities including the implementation of High Voltage System Change Certificates (HVSCCs).

You will be required to successfully complete a combination of eLearning and facilitated learning sessions and engage with structured mentoring support over the 18‑month duration of the scheme. This includes regular reviews and assessments, mandatory toward advancement of the scheme.

Assessed courses and additional learning opportunities will help you to progress towards achieving Control Person Operations or Safety authorisation status. As one of our team, you’ll have an opportunity to train at our Global Technical Training Centre of Excellence, based in Eakring, Nottinghamshire – the only one of its kind in the UK. We’ll offer you a comprehensive Control Room based training package that will support your journey to achieving one or more of the industry recognised National Grid Control Person authorisations. You will be required to spend some time away from home for a portion of the scheme. The role itself requires driving to different sites across the region/UK, so you must be prepared to travel and stay away from home as and when required.

Your post‑scheme role is office based, in a control room environment. Initially, you’ll be based at our control centre at Warwick and, with agreement, you may be based at one of our two local control centres. Post‑scheme, and potentially during, the role requires you to work on a shift rota pattern. Working patterns will be a 37‑hour week, shift based: 8‑10 hrs working over a 6‑week shift pattern attracting 10.4% shift pay, with 2 weekends in 6.

Following your authorisation, National Grid offers excellent opportunities for career progression within our control room to senior control engineer, managerial and senior leader positions.

We are looking for individuals who have a Degree in Electrical Power Systems or Electrical/Electronic Engineering, who have the potential to work under pressure in a process‑oriented environment. You’ll have the ability to remain calm and focused on the task at hand, whilst working under pressure, and possess excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.

You’ll need to live within a commutable distance of National Grid House in Warwick and have a full driving licence. Strong analytical and problem‑solving abilities are essential, as is demonstrable evidence of stakeholder management (in study or work experience).

Additional advantages include:

• An understanding of the main plant and protection/control systems used on an electricity transmission system.
• A good understanding of transmission network operation.
• An understanding of the transmission system safety issues and relevant procedures and operational business procedures, including safety rules, safety legislation, and safety procedures.

We offer a competitive starting salary of £36,640 per annum. Current salary at end of programme up to £47,442 (plus shift allowance) 26 days annual leave plus eight statutory days. Generous contributory pension scheme – we will double‑match your contribution to a maximum company contribution of 12% (overall 18%). Externally recognised qualifications. Access to apps that support health, fitness and wellbeing.

This role closes at midnight on 6th July. We encourage candidates to submit their application as early as possible. Don’t meet every single requirement? At National Grid, we are committed to building a diverse, inclusive and authentic workplace for everyone. If you are excited about this role but your experience or qualifications do not match the job description exactly, we encourage you to apply anyway.

Our Selection Process is as follows: Candidates who pass the initial screening will be invited to a virtual interview between 16th July and 24th July. We will be holding in‑person assessment centres and interviews w/c 3rd August 2026 in National Grid House, Warwick Office. The start date for this programme will be 5th October 2026. If successful, you must be able to commit to starting on this date.

At National Grid, we work towards the highest standards in everything we do, including how we support, value and develop our people. Our aim is to encourage and support employees to thrive and be the best they can be. We celebrate the difference people can bring to our organisation and welcome and encourage applicants with diverse experiences and backgrounds, offering flexible and tailored support, at home and in the office.

Our goal is to drive, develop and operate our business in a way that creates a more inclusive culture. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, the innovation from diverse teams & perspectives and business need. We are committed to building a workforce that represents the communities we serve and provides an environment where each individual feels valued, respected, fairly treated, and able to reach their full potential.

Please note that in most cases, National Grid is unable to offer sponsorship for employment under the UK points‑based immigration system. Applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK without requiring sponsorship now or in the future under that system. In exceptional circumstances where there is a clear need for specialist skills that cannot be sourced from the local labour market, National Grid may consider offering sponsorship. All applications are welcome from candidates who meet these requirements, regardless of race, nationality, or ethnic origin.