2026 Overhead Lines Advanced Apprentice, National Grid Electricity Distribution (Leicester/Kettering

Overview

2026 Overhead Lines Advanced Apprenticeship, National Grid Energy Distribution (Leicester/Kettering)

Join to apply for the 2026 Overhead Lines Advanced Apprenticeship, National Grid Energy Distribution (Leicester/Kettering) role at National Grid.

About the Role

The apprenticeship programme takes approximately three years to complete. You’ll spend the first 12 weeks 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, you’ll become a qualified Overhead Linesperson. 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.

Responsibilities

• 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; ability to interact with customers, colleagues or internal stakeholders
• Willingness to work outdoors in all weather
• Safety awareness, ability to follow safety instructions and meet deadlines
• Resilience, willingness to learn, genuine career interest and commitment to studying
• Age: applicants must be at least 18 years old by the start date (1st September 2026)

Entry Criteria

• 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
• Alternatively, a recognised Level 3 qualification in Electrical Engineering plus GCSE Maths and English at Grade C/4 or above (Electical Installation qualifications are not accepted as equivalent)
• Evidence of qualifications required prior to appointment

Also, if offered a position, you will be required to successfully complete a basic DBS check.

Start date: September 2026. No annual leave during the first 12 weeks of training. You should live within approximately 30 minutes of the depot you are applying for. Only one application per person; multiple applications will not be considered.

What You\’ll Get

Starting salary: £18,514 with annual increases as you gain experience. Typical progression:

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

• 23 days annual leave (26 after training) + statutory holidays
• Competitive pension and Sharesave options
• Earn while you learn and gain a fully funded qualification
• Employee Assistance Programme including musculoskeletal and physiotherapy services
• Protective clothing and safety equipment provided

Our Values and Principles

Diversity, equity and inclusion are central to National Grid. We invite applications from all backgrounds and offer adjustments as needed. We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if sufficient applications are received.

Additional Information

National Grid Apprenticeship programme in the UK is open to all applicants who meet eligibility criteria and have right to work in the UK. Visa sponsorship is not provided for apprenticeship programmes. It is your responsibility to explore working in the UK. For visa information, see gov.uk/work-visas.