2026 Overhead Lines Advanced Apprenticeship, National Grid Energy Distribution (Stoke/Hednesford)

Overview

2026 Overhead Lines Advanced Apprenticeship, National Grid Energy Distribution (Stoke/Hednesford)

Join to apply for the 2026 Overhead Lines Advanced Apprenticeship, National Grid Energy Distribution (Stoke/Hednesford) role at National Grid.

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 expert teams deliver heat, light and power for homes and businesses, working outdoors with underground cables, overhead lines and substations that operate between 230 and 132,000 volts.

Net-zero targets are transforming the way we work and increasing the scope of the positive impact we can make. Right now, we’re looking for apprentices to join us. Our people in Network Services work across a number of teams to keep the lights on for our customers. They might be helping a customer who has lost supply or supporting a developer building a multi-million pound project. They maintain a 24/7 service from faults and maintenance, asset replacement to new connections, working outdoors with underground cables, overhead lines and substations that operate between 230 and 132,000 volts.

The Role

The apprenticeship programme takes approximately three years to complete. You’ll spend your first 12 weeks being inducted onto the programme at one of our Training Centres. You’ll earn while you learn and develop your knowledge, skills and behaviours to become a Power Networks Craftsperson, achieving a City & Guilds Level 2 Qualification in Electrical Engineering. Your Training will include on-the-job development and learning from an experienced Overhead Linesperson. After a formal assessment, you’ll become a qualified Overhead Linesperson yourself.

Overhead Linespersons are overhead line engineers who work at height constructing, maintaining, testing, repairing and replacing overhead lines and equipment. You will represent National Grid and carry out work handed down by other areas of the business.

Responsibilities

• 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

What You\’ll Need

• Excellent communication skills; confident interaction with customers, colleagues and internal stakeholders.
• Adventurous and driven to work outdoors in all weather.
• Safety awareness, ability to follow safety instructions and wear protective clothing, and ability to meet deadlines.
• Resilient, eager to learn, genuinely passionate about your career and committed to studying. Curious problem solvers thrive here.
• Must be at least 18 years of age by the start date of the programme (1 September 2026).

Qualifications

• 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 A*-C/9-4 or Level 2 qualifications in any subject
• You may apply with a recognised Level 3 qualification in Electrical Engineering plus GCSE Grade C/4 or above in Maths and English. Electrical Installation qualifications are not accepted as an equivalent.

Evidence of qualifications will be required prior to appointment. DBS check may be required for appointment.

Start Date and Location

Start date: September 2026. We are unable to accommodate annual leave during the first 12 weeks of training. Operationally, live near the depot you are applying for (within approximately 30 minutes). Submit only one application; we will consider suitability for multiple locations during the process.

What You\’ll Get

Joining the UK’s leading electricity distribution business means career opportunities and recognition. Starting salary: £18,514. Salary increases as you gain experience:

• Year 2 – £24,938
• Year 2½ (Development role) – £32,473
• Year 3 – £37,770
• Completion – £43,491

Benefits include:

• 23 days annual leave (26 on completion) + statutory holidays
• Competitive pension scheme (double matched up to 12%) and Sharesave options
• Earn whilst you learn and receive a fully funded qualification
• Develop well-rounded skills with experienced professionals
• Employee Assistance Programme (including musculoskeletal and physiotherapy services)
• Protective 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 communities, and we are happy to discuss any adjustments you require. We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if sufficient suitable applications are received.

Additional Information

National Grid Apprenticeships open to all applicants who meet eligibility criteria and have right to work in the UK. Visa sponsorship is not available for apprenticeships. Please explore working in the UK visa options externally. For information about visas visit https://www.gov.uk/browse/visas-immigration/work-visas

Our Values and Principles continued: We are unable to provide sponsorship if you require a visa for our apprenticeship programmes. Applicants should be aware of this and plan accordingly.

Locations and trends: Tunstead, Crewe, Stoke-On-Trent, Hixon, Shifnal, Nantwich, Field, etc. Application specifics: only one application per candidate.

Seniority level: Internship

Employment type: Part-time

Job function: Management and Manufacturing

Industries: Utilities

For information about other roles, see related postings in the UK.

End of posting.