At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our OHL Training Scheme and work at height to keep electricity flowing across the UK.
- Company: National Grid, a leader in electricity transmission with a commitment to safety and teamwork.
- Benefits: Earn £33,323 during training, rising to £40,581 plus benefits after completion.
- Why this job: Be part of the energy transformation and gain skills for a future-proof career.
- Qualifications: Practical skills, NVQ Level 2 or equivalent, and a full UK driving licence required.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for travel and hands-on work in outdoor environments.
The predicted salary is between 33323 - 40581 £ per year.
A new career at height — reskill into a specialist Overhead Lines role. If you’re comfortable and/or experienced at height, enjoy working outdoors, and want to retrain into a highly skilled, future-proof profession, our Overhead Lines (OHL) Training Scheme offers a clear and supported route into the electricity transmission industry.
Our brand new 12-month accelerated programme is designed specifically for career changers from related industries — people who already understand site safety, tools, and physical work, and are ready to apply those skills in a new, specialist environment helping keep electricity flowing across England and Wales.
Who this scheme is for?
- Currently working in — or have experience in — areas such as:
- Construction or civil engineering.
- Mechanical trades.
- Telecoms, utilities, rail or highways.
- Scaffolding, rope access, wind or tower work.
- Armed forces or other safety-critical environments.
- Hobbyist – Climbing.
You don’t need previous overhead line experience — we’ll train you. What matters is that you bring practical ability, the right mindset, and you are comfortable and/or experienced at height.
About The Scheme
The programme provides a clear, structured pathway into an Overhead Lines career, combining:
- On-the-job learning with experienced OHL teams on site.
- Formal training at the National Grid Academy in Eakring (Nottinghamshire).
- Completion of a Level 3 Diploma.
- Staged practical assessments and a competence portfolio.
- Learn how to use working at height equipment such as hoists, rigging, slinging and mechanical plant.
You’ll be supported throughout by dedicated overhead line trainers and on-site mentors, helping you transfer your existing skills into a new technical discipline. On successful completion, you’ll progress into a permanent Overhead Linesperson role.
We have 6 Locations and number of positions required at each location, you can choose your location on application:
- West Boldon, South Tyneside x 1.
- Staythorpe, Newark On Trent x 1.
A salary of £33,323 pa plus expenses for the period of initial training. Starting salary on successful completion of the training scheme £40,581 pa + £1,871 Seasonal working allowance, increasing up to £45,089 with experience. All PPE + Company vehicle - business use only. Contribution Pension scheme up to max total 18%. 26 days annual leave plus 8 bank holidays with option to buy/sell holidays.
What We’re Looking For
- Commitment to a Fixed Term Contract for 12 months on a salary of £33,323 pa.
- Min NVQ Level 2 (or equivalent) in Construction, engineering or Mechanical discipline.
- Comfortable and/or experienced at height.
- Practical skills.
- A full UK driving licence.
- A strong commitment to safety, quality and teamwork.
- Willingness to travel within around 1.5 hours of your base location, with opportunities to work nationally.
- Live within 30 minutes commute of the following sites: West Boldon, South Tyneside; Staythorpe, Newark On Trent; Fleet, Hampshire.
Assessment and next steps
This face-to-face approach allows us to assess practical skills safely and gives you a realistic insight into the role and environment.
Assessment date: Monday 9, Tuesday 10, Wednesday 11, Thursday 12 and Friday 13 March. Time – 10.00am – 3.00pm. Assessment format: Face-to-face. Location: National Grid Training Academy, Kirklington Road, Eakring, Newark, Nottinghamshire, NG22 0DA. Travel – You’ll make your own way there, expenses will be paid up to £100 (keep all receipts).
What to expect: Practical hand-skills, Colour Blindness and height-confidence assessments alongside interviews. Time commitment: Please allow a full day. Decision on assessment outcomes – End of March.
What You’ll Do As An Overhead Linesperson
At National Grid, Overhead Linespersons play a critical role at the heart of the UK’s electricity transmission system, carrying out hands-on work high above the ground. Your role will include:
- Working at height on electricity transmission towers up to 50 metres (164ft).
- Inspecting, maintaining and repairing overhead line equipment.
- Supporting fault response and system recovery.
- Contributing to major infrastructure and upgrade projects.
- Working as part of a close-knit team in outdoor, safety-critical environments.
- Travelling up to 1.5 hours from your base, with opportunities to work nationally.
A challenging and varied role where no two days are the same — offering real responsibility, teamwork and the chance to keep the UK powered. This is more than just a training scheme – it’s your chance to be at the forefront of the UK’s energy transformation. If you’re ready to future-proof your career while helping power the nation, apply for the OHL Training scheme today.
OHL Trainee in Fleet employer: National Grid
Contact Detail:
National Grid Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land OHL Trainee in Fleet
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research National Grid and their values. When you show up for your assessment, drop in some knowledge about their projects or initiatives. It’ll impress them and show you’re genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your practical skills! Since this role is hands-on, brush up on any relevant tools or techniques you might use. If you’ve got experience in construction or mechanical trades, think about how those skills transfer to overhead lines work.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to talk teamwork! This job is all about working closely with others, so come prepared with examples of how you’ve collaborated in past roles. Highlighting your ability to work in a team will show you’re a great fit for the OHL environment.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re tech-savvy and serious about landing this role. Let’s get you started on this exciting journey!
We think you need these skills to ace OHL Trainee in Fleet
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Thoroughly: Before you start your application, take a good look at the job description. It’s packed with info about what we’re looking for and what the role involves. Understanding this will help you tailor your application to show us why you’re the perfect fit!
Show Off Your Relevant Experience: Even if you haven’t worked in overhead lines before, highlight any experience you have that relates to the skills we need. Whether it’s from construction, mechanical trades, or even climbing, let us know how your background makes you a great candidate.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward. We appreciate clarity! Make sure to answer any questions directly and avoid fluff. This helps us see your qualifications and enthusiasm without getting lost in too many words.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for the best chance of being noticed. It’s super easy and ensures your application goes straight to us. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need right there!
How to prepare for a job interview at National Grid
✨Know Your Heights
Since this role involves working at height, make sure you can confidently discuss your experience or comfort level with heights. If you've done any climbing, scaffolding, or similar activities, be ready to share those experiences and how they relate to the job.
✨Safety First!
Emphasise your commitment to safety during the interview. Be prepared to talk about any safety protocols you've followed in previous roles, especially in construction or mechanical trades. This shows that you understand the importance of safety in a critical environment.
✨Show Off Your Practical Skills
The interview will likely include practical assessments, so highlight any hands-on skills you have. Whether it's using tools or working with machinery, share specific examples of your practical experience that demonstrate your ability to adapt and learn quickly.
✨Team Player Mindset
This role requires teamwork, so be ready to discuss your experiences working in teams. Share examples of how you've collaborated with others in past jobs, especially in high-pressure situations, to show that you're a reliable team player who can contribute positively to the crew.