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- Tasks: Join our OHL Training Scheme and work at height to keep electricity flowing.
- Company: National Grid, a leader in the electricity transmission industry.
- Benefits: Earn £33,323 pa during training, with potential to rise to £45,089.
- Why this job: Future-proof your career while making a real impact on the UK's energy transformation.
- Qualifications: Practical skills and NVQ Level 2 in a related field required.
- Other info: Dynamic training programme with excellent support and career progression.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 37000 £ 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.
This advert contains information to help you understand the requirements. 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
- 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.
Locations
- West Boldon, South Tyneside — 1
- Staythorpe, Newark On Trent — 1
- Stocking Pelham, Hertfordshire — 3
- Fleet, Hampshire — 3
- Iron Acton, Bristol — 3
- Swansea — 1
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.
What we’re looking for
- You can commit 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
You live roughly within a 45 minute commute of the following sites: West Boldon (South Tyneside), Staythorpe (Newark On Trent), Stocking Pelham (Hertfordshire), Fleet (Hampshire), Iron Acton (Bristol), Swansea.
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. Training scheme start date: May 2026.
What you’ll do as an Overhead Linesperson
As an Overhead Linesperson, you will 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 (164 ft)
- 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
This is a challenging and varied role with real responsibility, teamwork and the chance to help 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.
At National Grid, we work towards the highest standards in everything we do, including how we support, value and develop our people. 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. We are committed to building a workforce that is representative of the communities we serve and provide a working environment where everyone feels valued, respected, fairly treated, and able to reach their full potential.
OHL Trainee employer: National Grid
Contact Detail:
National Grid Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land OHL Trainee
✨Tip Number 1
Get ready for the assessment day! Brush up on your practical skills and make sure you're comfortable working at height. This is your chance to show us what you've got, so be confident and prepared!
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current OHL trainees or professionals in the field. They can give you insider tips and maybe even help you land that spot. Plus, it shows us you're serious about this career change.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of a good interview! Practice common questions and think about how your past experiences relate to the role. We want to see your passion for safety and teamwork shine through.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the easiest way to get your application in front of us. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the training scheme and locations right there.
We think you need these skills to ace OHL Trainee
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Practical Skills: When you're filling out your application, make sure to highlight any hands-on experience you have. Whether it's from construction, engineering, or even hobbies like climbing, we want to see how your practical skills can transfer to the OHL role.
Safety First!: Since this role involves working at height, it’s crucial to demonstrate your commitment to safety. Share any relevant safety training or experiences that show you understand the importance of working safely in challenging environments.
Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic application! Take the time to tailor your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific requirements of the OHL Trainee position. We love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect their background with what we’re looking for.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and the application process 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’re comfortable discussing your experience or comfort level with heights. If you’ve done any climbing, scaffolding, or similar work, be ready to share those stories and how they relate to the job.
✨Safety First!
Emphasise your commitment to safety during the interview. Be prepared to discuss any safety protocols you've followed in previous roles, especially in construction or mechanical trades. This shows you understand the importance of safety in a critical environment.
✨Show Off Your Practical Skills
Bring examples of your practical skills to the table. Whether it’s tools you’ve used or projects you’ve completed, having tangible examples will help demonstrate your hands-on experience and readiness for the role.
✨Ask Smart Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the training scheme and the role itself. Inquire about the types of projects you might work on or the support you'll receive from mentors. This shows your genuine interest and helps you gauge if the role is right for you.
