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- Tasks: Train as an engineer, transforming high-voltage electricity for homes and businesses.
- Company: Join National Grid, powering millions and shaping a sustainable energy future.
- Benefits: Earn while you learn, gain qualifications, and secure a job at the end of your apprenticeship.
- Other info: Dynamic training with hands-on experience and excellent career prospects.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on energy transmission and integrate renewable sources into the grid.
- Qualifications: GCSEs in Maths and English, A Levels in Maths or Physics, and a Level 3 engineering qualification.
Our three-year Higher Apprenticeship Substations programme will train you to become an engineer in our substations. Here, we transform high-voltage electricity into low-voltage electricity, making it usable for homes and businesses. During your training, you will learn about:
- Testing equipment
- Safety protocols
- System protection and control
- Substation refurbishment, maintenance, technical support, problem diagnosis, and fault fixing
This job will have a significant impact on the transmission of electricity in England and Wales for the next 40 or 50 years. You will be involved in maintenance work, asset replacement and refurbishment, troubleshooting mechanical and electrical issues, and connecting new customers. You will also play a crucial role in integrating renewable energy sources like wind and solar farms into the transmission network. As you progress, you may even commission new equipment and take on responsibilities for the safety of your co-workers.
If this sounds like the kind of opportunity you would like to be part of, we are very interested in talking to you!
Responsibilities:
- Apply sound engineering and analytical processes to both normal and abnormal conditions on high voltage power generation, transmission & distribution plant & equipment
- Apply safe working practices in line with company processes and legislative requirements
- Use a wide range of test equipment to confirm the suitability of the high voltage plant for conformity and operational service
- Accurately read and interpret a wide range of engineering diagrams and drawings
- Prepare and check technical reports
- Effectively communicate with others to confirm that the tests meet the required standards/specifications
- Undertake testing, commissioning and maintenance activities on electrical power systems and equipment, including transformers, switchgear, conductors, battery systems and ancillary equipment
- Undertake protection, testing, commissioning and maintenance activities involving functionality testing and the injection of currents and voltages into high voltage equipment and their associated protection and control systems
- Use appropriate test equipment to verify protection and control settings and ensure correct installation and operation of modern microprocessor and numerical based protection as well as older electromechanical relays
- Ensure that protection systems interface correctly with the associated high voltage equipment and coordinate effectively with the wider high voltage system
Qualifications:
- GCSE in Maths and English (grade 4 and above) – 5 GCSEs including Maths and English
- A Level in Maths or Physics (grade C or above) – 2 A-Levels
- Level 3 engineering qualification: T Level or BTEC (grade Merit or Distinction)
Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience (the apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know).
Skills & Attributes:
- Communication skills
- Attention to detail
- Organisation skills
- Problem solving skills
- Analytical skills
- Logical thinking
- Initiative
- Physical fitness
- Reliable
- Adaptable
- Responsible
- Safety orientation
By the end of the programme, you will hold a Level 4 Higher National Certificate in Power Network Electrical Power Protection & Plant Commissioning Engineer, and most importantly, have a job waiting for you. At National Grid, we see engineering as more than just a job - it is a legacy, a way to shape a brighter energy future and keep the lights on. Would you like to be part of it? How about working for a company that powers every single person in England and Wales? A company that invests billions in Net Zero and creating a sustainable energy future?
We are 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 are 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; their work is critical to everything we do.
Apprenticeship Schedule:
Initially you will be at our National Training Centre in Eakring, Nottinghamshire for your Induction period which is around six weeks, then periodically for technical training. In the first year, you will spend 70% of your time at the Eakring Training Centre with the remaining 30% on site (gathering site-based experience). Year two will be 50/50 at Eakring and on site, and in the third year 70% on site and 30% at Eakring training centre.
Substation Higher Apprentice in City of Westminster employer: National Grid
Contact Detail:
National Grid Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Substation Higher Apprentice in City of Westminster
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company inside out! Research National Grid and their values, especially their commitment to Net Zero. This will help you tailor your conversations and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their mission.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current apprentices or employees on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for you. It’s a great way to get insider info and make a good impression.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for your interview by practising common questions related to engineering and safety protocols. Think about how you can demonstrate your problem-solving skills and attention to detail through real-life examples.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at National Grid.
We think you need these skills to ace Substation Higher Apprentice in City of Westminster
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for engineering and renewable energy shine through. We want to see that you’re genuinely excited about the opportunity to make a difference in the electricity sector!
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the role. Highlight any relevant qualifications, like your GCSEs or A-Levels, and any experience that shows off your problem-solving skills and attention to detail. We love seeing how your background fits with what we do!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon unless it’s relevant. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see why you’d be a great fit for our team.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the apprenticeship programme right there!
How to prepare for a job interview at National Grid
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the technical aspects of substations and high-voltage systems. Familiarise yourself with testing equipment, safety protocols, and the basics of fault diagnosis. This will not only show your enthusiasm but also your readiness to dive into the role.
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare examples of how you've tackled challenges in the past, especially those related to engineering or technical issues. Think about times when you had to troubleshoot or maintain equipment, as this will resonate well with the responsibilities of the role.
✨Communicate Clearly
Since effective communication is key in this job, practice explaining complex concepts in simple terms. You might be asked to describe how you would approach a specific task or problem, so being able to articulate your thoughts clearly will set you apart.
✨Demonstrate Your Safety Awareness
Safety is paramount in this field, so be prepared to discuss how you prioritise safety in your work. Share any relevant experiences where you adhered to safety protocols or contributed to a safe working environment, as this will highlight your responsibility and reliability.