Substation Higher Apprentice in London

At National Grid, we see engineering as more than just a job - it’s 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?

Imagine being paid over £29,000 a year while you train, with free food, accommodation, and travel included. 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’ll 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’ll be involved in maintenance work, asset replacement and refurbishment, troubleshooting mechanical and electrical issues, and connecting new customers. You’ll 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’d like to be part of, we’re very interested in talking to you. By the end of the programme, you’ll 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.

About You

You must live within 45 minutes of one of the following postcodes: IG11 0BF, RM20 4AG, RM14 3PL, E15 2PE, E16 4ST. You’re driven, proactive, and always seeking ways to improve. Building on your existing knowledge and skills is second nature to you, and you have the enthusiasm to take things to the next level. Communication comes naturally to you, and you know how to adapt your approach to connect with different people.

As a flexible multitasker, you can handle multiple responsibilities while paying great attention to detail. Academic brilliance isn’t the only thing we’re looking for; we value practical individuals with engineering mindsets who are eager to apply themselves.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• Two A-Levels, including Maths or Physics with a grade of C or above, or a BTEC that includes a Maths module.
• A valid UK driving license that allows you to drive three months before your start date.
• The ability to live away from home, primarily at our Eakring academy in Nottinghamshire. You’ll also spend time in Loughborough studying for your Higher National Certificate in Power Network Electrical Power Protection & Plant Commissioning Engineer.

About Us

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 don’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 we are happy to discuss any adjustments that you require.

Further Information

You can only apply for one Apprentice opportunity during this recruitment cycle. We recruit on a rolling basis and reserve the right to close our vacancies once we have enough applications/based on volume of 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 from January – April 2025. 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. Applicants for our Apprenticeship programmes should be aware that we are unable to provide sponsorship if you require a visa for our apprenticeship programmes. 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.