At a Glance
- Tasks: Work at height on electricity transmission towers, maintaining and repairing overhead line equipment.
- Company: Join National Grid, a leader in the UK's electricity transmission system.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, training opportunities, PPE, and a company vehicle.
- Why this job: Experience hands-on work with real responsibility while keeping the UK powered.
- Qualifications: NVQ Level 2 in Construction or Engineering, practical skills, and a full UK driving licence.
- Other info: Dynamic role with excellent career progression and a supportive team environment.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 37000 £ per year.
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.
Responsibilities
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.
Training scheme start date: May 2026.
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
- Stocking Pelham, Hertfordshire x 3
- Fleet, Hampshire x 3
- Iron Acton, Bristol x 3
- Swansea x 1
Qualifications
- 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.
Pay and Benefits
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.
More information on benefits - Benefits | National Grid Careers. You can commit to a Fixed Term Contract for 12 months on a salary of £33,323 pa.
At National Grid, we work towards the highest standards in everything we do, including how we support, value and develop our people. Our aim is to encourage and support employees to thrive and be the best they can be. We celebrate the unique differences people bring into our organisation, and welcome and encourage applicants with diverse experiences and backgrounds, and offer flexible and tailored support, at home and in the office. Our goal is to drive, develop and operate our business in a way that results in a more inclusive culture. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, the innovation that comes with having diverse teams and business need.
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.
OHL Trainee in Newark on Trent employer: National Grid
Contact Detail:
National Grid Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land OHL Trainee in Newark on Trent
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research National Grid and understand their values, projects, and culture. This will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for practical assessments by honing your hand-skills and getting comfortable with heights. If you can, find a safe way to practice working at height to boost your confidence before the assessment day.
✨Tip Number 3
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former employees on LinkedIn. They can provide insider tips and might even give you a heads-up about what to expect during the selection process.
✨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 National Grid family. Don’t forget to keep all your receipts for travel expenses!
We think you need these skills to ace OHL Trainee in Newark on Trent
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Skills: Make sure to highlight any practical skills you have, especially those related to construction or engineering. We want to see how your experience can contribute to our team!
Safety First!: Since this role involves working at height and in safety-critical environments, emphasise your commitment to safety. Share any relevant experiences that demonstrate your awareness and adherence to safety protocols.
Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic application! Tailor your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific requirements of the OHL Trainee role. We love seeing candidates who take the time to connect their experiences with what we’re looking for.
Apply Through Our Website: For the best chance of success, make sure to apply through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves!
How to prepare for a job interview at National Grid
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the role of an Overhead Linesperson and the responsibilities that come with it. Brush up on your practical skills and be ready to discuss any relevant experience you have, especially working at height or in safety-critical environments.
✨Safety First
Since this role is all about safety, be prepared to talk about your commitment to safety standards. Think of examples where you've prioritised safety in previous roles or how you would approach safety in this new position.
✨Team Player Vibes
This job involves working closely with a team, so highlight your teamwork skills. Share stories that showcase your ability to collaborate effectively, especially in challenging situations or outdoor settings.
✨Ask Smart Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask insightful questions. Inquire about the training programme, the types of projects you might work on, or how the team supports each other in high-pressure situations. This shows your genuine interest in the role and the company.