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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Become a technician maintaining high-voltage substations and ensuring safe electricity supply.
- Company: Join National Grid, a leader in energy innovation and sustainability.
- Benefits: Earn over ÂŁ24,000 annually with free food, accommodation, and travel during training.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the energy future while gaining valuable engineering skills.
- Qualifications: Five GCSEs including Maths and English at grade 4/C or above.
- Other info: Enjoy 26 days annual leave, bonuses, and discounts on various retailers.
The predicted salary is between 20000 - 25000 ÂŁ per year.
About The Role
Work at the heart of National Grid.
Would you like to work for a company that makes electricity happen for every single person in England and Wales? A company that invests billions in Net Zero and creating a brighter energy future?
On this apprenticeship you will be working towards a Level 3 EAL Subsidiary Diploma in Engineering Technologies.
You will also be paid over ÂŁ24,000 a year while you train, with free food, accommodation, and travel.
The training is carried out through a combination of courses run at our Global Technical Training Centre of Excellence and on‑site training on real transmission equipment in a live substation environment.
Our three‑year Advanced Apprenticeship Substations will train you to become a technician in one of our 347 substations. Substations are instrumental in the transmission of high‑voltage electricity over England and Wales. Transforming high‑voltage electricity into low‑voltage electricity, which can be used in homes and businesses.
Technicians play a vital role in looking after our substations. Without their careful maintenance the safe, reliable supply of electricity simply could not happen. This apprenticeship will allow you to become one of them.
You’ll be learning to do things like maintenance work on power transformers, main connections, and terminals. You’ll be repairing different types of joints and working with things such as air systems, batteries, and environmental battery charger systems.
Following strict safety guidelines, you will carry out the maintenance, repair, and monitoring of high‑voltage substation equipment. This will include circuit breakers, transformers, disconnectors, compressors, and auxiliary systems.
As you can probably tell, these apprenticeships are for people who really want to get stuck in. If that sounds like it might be you, we’d be very interested in receiving your application.
Location
This role is based across the North West Lancashire region. This means you\’ll be expected to travel around this region as part of your role.
Due to the nature of this role, you\’ll need to live within a 45 minute drive of the following postcode: PR1 0NS.
About You
You are driven and proactive, with an appetite for continuous improvement. You know how to build on your existing knowledge and skills and have the enthusiasm to run with things and try to make them better. You’re articulate and know how to communicate appropriately with different people.
You are a flexible multitasker who can do multiple jobs at the same time and still pay great attention to detail. It doesn’t matter if you’re not academically dazzling; we want practical people with engineering mindsets who are really keen to apply themselves.
Our Advanced Apprenticeships are for people who have FIVE GCSEs, including passes in Maths and English Language (or equivalent) graded 4/C or above.
By the end of your first year, you’ll need a driving licence that permits you to drive in the UK.
You’ll need to be able to live away from home during your training; primarily at our Eakring Training Centre in Nottinghamshire. Typically, you’ll stay on‑site from Monday to Thursday and return home for the weekend (Friday to Sunday). The amount of time spent at Eakring will decrease as you progress through the programme:
- Year 1 — around 75%
- Year 2 — around 50%
- Year 3 — around 25%
What You’ll Get
We are proud to offer a starting salary of ÂŁ24,306.
As a first step to your career in the energy industry, our Advanced Apprenticeship Programmes are like no other! You’ll gain an insight into how we work at National Grid, understand what a career with us can offer, and receive some great rewards and benefits.
- You’ll get 26 days annual leave plus statutory holidays
- You could earn a ÂŁ250 bonus, depending on performance
- Double‑matched pension contribution scheme
- We will pay for one professional membership subscription.
Our My Discounts scheme offers discounts on everything from the weekly shop to your annual summer holidays. You’ll find savings on cinema tickets and at a range of high street retailers, including Sainsburys, John Lewis, Currys, Argos and Marks and Spencer.
National Grid is committed to the personal development of our staff. Joining us, you’ll be supported as you develop a wide range of business, and technical skills through structured training and on‑the‑job experience. You’ll work closely with your line manager to establish and navigate through a Personal Development Plan that is tailored to your needs.
About National Grid
National Grid is at the heart of the energy future, and our people are at the heart of National Grid. We’re 30,000 colleagues strong. In the UK, National Grid doesn’t generate or sell energy – we join the dots to get energy from A to B. From making a cup of tea in the morning, to keeping the lights on in hospitals, our electricity network puts power in the hands of people. Without it, the world as we know it would grind to a halt.
The world of energy is changing beyond recognition as we focus on building a cleaner, greener future. Working at National Grid, you won’t just be touching the lives of almost everyone in the UK – you’ll be shaping the way we use and consume energy for generations to come.
Our Values and 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 are happy to discuss any adjustments that you require.
Further Information
You can only apply for one Apprenticeship opportunity during this recruitment cycle.
We recruit on a rolling basis and reserve the right to close our vacancies once we have enough applications. We encourage you to apply as early as possible to ensure you obtain the place you want in the application process.
Assessment centres will be held between January – April 2026.
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 will need to be evidenced and verified before you can start the programme.
Please note that in most cases, National Grid is unable to offer sponsorship for employment under the UK points‑based immigration system. As such, applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK without requiring sponsorship now or in the future under the UK points‑based immigration system. However, in exceptional circumstances where there is a clear and demonstrable 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.
Please be aware that it’s your responsibility to explore avenues of working in the UK, as we’re not able to provide advice on this.
For information about visas please visit
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2026 Substation Engineer Advanced Apprentice North West Lancashire (Preston), Asset Operations employer: National Grid
Contact Detail:
National Grid Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land 2026 Substation Engineer Advanced Apprentice North West Lancashire (Preston), Asset Operations
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research National Grid and understand their mission, values, and recent projects. This will help you tailor your conversations during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or attend industry events. Building relationships can give you insider info about the apprenticeship and might even lead to a referral!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for potential interview questions by doing mock interviews with friends or family. Focus on showcasing your practical skills and enthusiasm for engineering – that's what they want to see!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining National Grid and ready to take the first step towards an exciting career in energy.
We think you need these skills to ace 2026 Substation Engineer Advanced Apprentice North West Lancashire (Preston), Asset Operations
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself: When you're writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to see the real you, so don’t be afraid to show your enthusiasm for the role and the energy industry.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with what we’re looking for. Mention specific aspects of the job description that excite you and how you can contribute to our team.
Show Your Passion for Engineering: We love candidates who are genuinely interested in engineering and the energy sector. Share any relevant projects or experiences that demonstrate your commitment and eagerness to learn more about substations and high-voltage equipment.
Apply Early!: Don’t wait until the last minute to submit your application. We recruit on a rolling basis, so the sooner you apply through our website, the better your chances of securing a spot in this exciting apprenticeship programme!
How to prepare for a job interview at National Grid
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you understand the basics of substation engineering and the role you'll be training for. Brush up on key concepts like high-voltage electricity, maintenance procedures, and safety guidelines. This will show your enthusiasm and readiness to dive into the technical aspects of the job.
✨Show Your Passion
Express your genuine interest in the energy sector and National Grid's mission towards Net Zero. Share any relevant experiences or projects that highlight your proactive attitude and commitment to continuous improvement. This will help you stand out as someone who truly cares about making a difference.
✨Ask Smart Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions to ask during the interview. Inquire about the training process, the types of projects you might work on, or how the apprenticeship can lead to career growth within the company. This demonstrates your eagerness to learn and engage with the team.
✨Be Yourself
While it's important to be professional, don't forget to let your personality shine through. Be articulate and communicate clearly, but also be genuine. The interviewers want to see the real you and how you would fit into their team culture.
