2026 Overhead Lines Advanced Apprenticeship, National Grid Energy Distribution (Withybush/Llanfi)

Join to apply for the 2026 Overhead Lines Advanced Apprenticeship 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.

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 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.

The Role

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.

What You'll Do

• 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’ll interact with customers, colleagues and internal stakeholders. Confidence to engage with the wider business is essential.
• As you’ll be working outdoors, you’ll 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), as is meeting deadlines.
• You’ll be resilient and 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).

Entry Qualifications

Our minimum entry criteria require the following qualifications (held or predicted):

• 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. Evidence of qualifications will be required prior to appointment. DBS check is required after offer (unspent convictions or conditional cautions). Start date September 2026. We are unable to accommodate annual leave during the first 12 weeks of training. You should live within approximately 30 minutes of the depot you apply for. Multiple applications are not considered.

What You'll Get

• We offer a competitive starting salary and progression as you gain experience:

• Year 1: £18,514
• Year 2: £24,938
• Year 2½ (Development role): £32,473
• Year 3: £37,770
• Completion: £43,491

• Additional 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 whilst you learn and receive a fully funded qualification.
• Develop well-rounded skills, learning from experienced and qualified professionals.
• Employee Assistance Programme with 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 are open to discussions about adjustments you may require. We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if sufficient numbers of suitable applications are received. National Grid’s Apprenticeship programme is open to all applicants who meet eligibility criteria and have valid right to work in the UK. Sponsorship for visas is not provided for these apprenticeships. Applicants must explore avenues of working in the UK themselves. For visa information, visit the gov.uk site.