2026 Overhead Lines Advanced Apprenticeship, National Grid Energy Distribution (Lincoln/Boston))
Join to apply for the 2026 Overhead Lines Advanced Apprenticeship role at National Grid. The apprenticeship will launch September 2026 and is open to candidates who meet the minimum entry criteria described below.
About Us
We’re National Grid Electricity Distribution (NGED), the owner and operator behind the electricity distribution systems for the Midlands, the Southwest of England and South Wales. Serving communities of more than 8 million people, our teams deliver heat, light and power for homes and businesses. Our work involves maintaining underground cables, overhead lines, and substations that operate between 230 V and 132 000 V. Net‑zero targets are transforming the way we work and increasing the scope of the positive impact we can make.
About The Role
The apprenticeship programme takes approximately three years to complete. During the first 12 weeks you will be inducted into a Training Centre. You will learn to become a Power Networks Craftsperson, achieving a City & Guilds Level 2 Qualification in Electrical Engineering. Your learning will involve on‑the‑job training, development, and working alongside a qualified Overhead Linesperson. After assessment you will become a qualified Overhead Linesperson.
Responsibilities
As an Overhead Linesperson you will:
- Construct and alter overhead lines, install pole‑mounted plant, run and terminate cables to plant and overhead lines
- Carry out routine inspection, maintenance and repairs of overhead equipment
- Record asset routes, details and positions
- Record plant details
- Locate and identify cables, test insulation, phasing and continuity on LV cables
- Test earthing, voltage, phasing and phase rotation
- Write outage requests and switching programmes for simple outages
Skills & Attributes
- Excellent communication skills – speaking with customers, colleagues and internal stakeholders
- Adventurous and driven to work outdoors in all weather conditions
- Safety awareness – following safety instructions, using protective equipment and wearing protective clothing, and meeting deadlines
- Resilient, willing to learn, passionate about your career and committed to studying
- Minimum age 18 years by the programme start date (1 September 2026)
Minimum Entry Criteria
- GCSE English at Grade A*‑C / 9‑4 or Level 2 Functional/Key Skills English
- GCSE Mathematics at Grade A*‑C / 9‑4 or Level 2 Functional/Key Skills Maths
- GCSE Science at Grade A*‑C / 9‑4 or BTEC Science Level 2 equivalent
- Two other GCSEs at Grade A*‑C / 9‑4 or Level 2 qualifications in any subject
- Alternative: Recognised Level 3 qualification in Electrical Engineering plus GCSE Grade C/4 or above in Maths and English
Evidence of qualifying certificates will be required prior to appointment. A basic DBS check must be completed to show no unspent convictions or conditional cautions.
What You’ll Get
Competitive starting salary and career progression:
- Year 1 – £18 514
- Year 2 – £24 938
- Year 2½ (Development role) – £32 473
- Year 3 – £37 770
- Completion – £43 491
Benefits include:
- 23 days annual leave (26 upon completion of training) + statutory holidays
- Competitive pension scheme (double matched up to 12%) and Sharesave options
- Earn while you learn and receive a fully funded qualification
- Develop well‑rounded skills, learning from experienced professionals
- Employee Assistance Programme – musculoskeletal and physiotherapy services available
- Protections clothing and safety equipment supplied
Our Values and Principles
Diversity, equity and inclusion are at the heart of who we are. We encourage applications from all backgrounds and are happy to discuss any adjustments you may require.
We reserve the right to close the vacancy early should sufficient numbers of suitable applications be received, so please apply as soon as possible.
National Grid’s Apprenticeship programme in the UK is open to all applicants who meet the eligibility criteria, including an existing and valid right to work in the UK. As part of the application process, this must be evidenced and verified before you can start the programme.
Applicants for our Apprenticeship programmes should be aware that we are unable to provide sponsorship if you require a visa for our apprenticeship programmes. It is your responsibility to explore avenues of working in the UK, and we are not able to provide advice on this front.
For information about visas please visit https://www.gov.uk/browse/visas-immigration/work-visas.
