At a Glance
- Tasks: Become a Substation Engineer while maintaining high-voltage equipment and ensuring safe electricity supply.
- Company: Join National Grid, a leader in energy innovation and sustainability.
- Benefits: Earn over £24,000, enjoy free food, accommodation, travel, and 26 days annual leave.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the UK's energy future while gaining hands-on engineering experience.
- Qualifications: Five GCSEs including Maths and English at grade 4/C or above.
- Other info: Dynamic training environment with excellent career growth opportunities and a focus on personal development.
The predicted salary is between 20000 - 25000 £ per year.
Overview
We recruit on a rolling basis and reserve the right to close our vacancies once we have enough applications or based on volume. 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. In most cases, National Grid is unable to offer sponsorship for employment under the UK points-based immigration system. 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. In exceptional circumstances where there is a clear and demonstrable need for specialist skills that cannot be sourced from the local labour market, sponsorship may be considered. All applications are welcome from candidates who meet these requirements, regardless of race, nationality, or ethnic origin. It is your responsibility to explore avenues of working in the UK, as we are not able to provide advice on this.
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 to try to make them better. You are 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’s not necessary to be academically dazzling; we want practical people with engineering mindsets who are keen to apply themselves.
Responsibilities
- Our Advanced Apprenticeships are for people who have FIVE GCSEs, including passes in Maths and English Language (or equivalent) graded 4/C or above
- Follow safety guidelines and carry out maintenance, repair, and monitoring of high-voltage substation equipment, including power transformers, main connections, terminals, and various systems
- Work at the heart of National Grid within a live substation environment, including work on circuit breakers, transformers, disconnectors, compressors, and auxiliary systems
- Be prepared to live away from home during training (primarily at the Eakring Training Centre in Nottinghamshire), with on-site stays Monday to Thursday and weekends at home; the time spent on-site reduces as you progress
- Deliver all work with safety as the priority, demonstrate safety behaviours, follow processes and rules, and speak up when things don’t look right
Qualifications & Requirements
- Five GCSEs including Maths and English Language (or equivalent) at grade 4/C or above
- At least 18 years of age by the start date of the programme (1 September 2026)
- By the end of the first year, you’ll need a UK driving licence
- Ability to live away from home during training; location is primarily the Eakring Training Centre in Nottinghamshire
- Location: role is based across the South London region; ability to travel within this region and live within a 45-minute drive of SW17 0BN
What we offer
- Starting salary of £24,306
- 26 days annual leave plus statutory holidays
- Possible £250 bonus depending on performance
- Double-matched pension contribution scheme
- Payment of one professional membership subscription
- My Discounts scheme with savings on cinema tickets and high street retailers
- Structured training and on-the-job experience with a Personal Development Plan
Location
This role is based across the South London region. You will be expected to travel around this region as part of your role. You may need to live within a 45 minute drive of SW17 0BN.
About National Grid
National Grid is committed to the personal development of our staff and to creating a more inclusive culture. All employment is decided on qualifications, innovation, and business need. We seek a workforce representative of the communities we serve and provide a working environment where everyone feels valued and respected.
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2026 Substation Engineer Advanced Apprentice South London, 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 South London, Asset Operations
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research National Grid and understand their values, especially around safety and sustainability. This will help you tailor your conversations during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or attend industry events. This can give you insider info about the apprenticeship and might even lead to a referral!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for practical assessments! Since this role is hands-on, brush up on your technical skills and be ready to demonstrate your problem-solving abilities during any practical tests.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at National Grid.
We think you need these skills to ace 2026 Substation Engineer Advanced Apprentice South London, Asset Operations
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for the role shine through! We want to see that you’re genuinely excited about becoming a Substation Engineer and contributing to a greener energy future.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the job description. We love seeing candidates who take the time to connect their background to what we do at National Grid.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your writing straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your application is easy to read. This will help us understand your qualifications without any confusion!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure it gets to us directly and helps you stay updated on your application status. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at National Grid
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the basics of electrical engineering and substation operations. Brush up on key concepts like high voltage systems, transformers, and safety protocols. This knowledge will not only impress your interviewers but also show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Safety First
Since safety is paramount in this role, be prepared to discuss how you would approach safety in a substation environment. Think about past experiences where you followed safety guidelines or identified potential hazards. Showing that you prioritise safety will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Show Your Enthusiasm
Let your passion for engineering and the energy sector shine through. Talk about why you want to work at National Grid and how you see yourself contributing to their mission of a greener future. A positive attitude can make a big difference in how you're perceived.
✨Ask Smart Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions to ask at the end of your interview. Inquire about the training process, opportunities for advancement, or how the company is tackling challenges in the energy sector. This shows that you're engaged and thinking critically about your future with them.