2026 Overhead Lines Advanced Apprenticeship, National Grid Energy Distribution (Tipton)
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.
About The Role
The apprenticeship programme takes approximately three years to complete, and 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 periods of on‑the‑job training and development, learning from an experienced and qualified Overhead Linesperson. Following a formal assessment of your knowledge, skills and behaviours, 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; you may be speaking with customers at one moment and with colleagues or internal stakeholders the next.
- As you’ll be working outdoors, you must be adventurous and driven to work in all weather.
- Safety awareness is a must – you’ll follow safety instructions, use protective equipment and wear protective clothing, and meet deadlines.
- You’ll be resilient, willing to learn, genuinely passionate about your career and committed to studying. Curious problem solvers thrive here.
- Applicants must be at least 18 years of age by the start date of the programme (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 A*‑C / 9‑4 or Level 2 qualifications in any subject
You can also 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 to Electrical Engineering qualifications, and you will need to meet the minimum entry requirements detailed above. Evidence of your qualification certificates will be required prior to appointment.
Additional Requirements
- Complete a basic DBS check that shows any unspent convictions or conditional cautions.
- Operationally you must live within approximately 30 minutes of the depot you are applying for.
- Annual leave is not available during the first 12 weeks of training.
- Multiple applications will not be considered.
Start Date
September 2026.
Salary & Career Path
Your starting salary is £18,514. Your salary increases as you become more experienced, following the timeline below.
- Year 2 – £24,938
- Year 2½ (Development role) – £32,473
- Year 3 – £37,770
- Completion – £43,491
Benefits
- 23 days annual leave (26 upon completion of training) + statutory holidays
- Competitive pension scheme (Double match up to 12%) and Sharesave options
- Earn while you learn and receive a fully funded qualification
- Develop well‑rounded skills, learning from experienced and qualified professionals in the industry
- Employee Assistance Programme, including musculoskeletal and physiotherapy services if needed
- Protective clothing and safety equipment supplied
Values & Principles
Diversity, equity, and inclusion are at the heart of who we are and what we do. Our commitment to these values is unwavering and they are central to our mission. We encourage applications from all backgrounds, communities and industries and we are happy to discuss any adjustments that you require.
EEO Statement
National Grid is an equal opportunity employer. We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if sufficient suitable applications are received.
Visa Information
Applicants for our Apprenticeship programmes should be aware that we are unable to provide sponsorship if you require a visa for our apprenticeship programmes. Please be aware that it’s your responsibility to explore avenues of working in the UK, as we are not able to provide advice on this. For information about visas please visit https://www.gov.uk/browse/visas-immigration/work-visas.
