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- Tasks: Become a Trainee Operational Delivery Engineer, specializing in electrical fitting and network design.
- Company: Join National Grid, the UK's leading electricity distribution business, committed to innovation.
- Benefits: Earn while you learn with a competitive salary, 26 days leave, and a pension scheme.
- Why this job: Gain hands-on experience and qualifications in a critical industry while working outdoors.
- Qualifications: GCSEs in English and Maths, plus A Levels or equivalent in relevant subjects required.
- Other info: Flexible travel for placements and a supportive environment to grow your career.
Our people in Network Services work across a number of teams to keep the lights on for our customers. They might be helping a customer who has lost supply or supporting a developer building a multi-million pound project.
They maintain a 24/7 service from faults and maintenance, asset replacement to new connections, working outdoors with underground cables, overhead lines and substations that operate between 230 and 132,000 volts, their work is critical to everything we do.
About the Role
As a Trainee Operational Delivery Engineer (field based) you will specialise in electrical fitting, underground cables, overhead lines, plant equipment, civil schemes, protection activities and you will also be involved with planning and network design services including the installation and commissioning of complex schemes on the network and at operational sites. You will be working outside in all weathers to ensure the safe and efficient operation of the Electricity Distribution system.
The training programme provides on-the-job training and formal courses held in one of our Training Centre’s at either Taunton or Tipton, over a period of approximately two years (depending on entry level qualifications). Successful candidates will also be expected to study for and achieve a higher-level qualification. The majority of the on-the-job training will take place within local teams, but you may be required to undertake placements at other locations across the National Grid service area, so you need to be flexible and able to travel.
The apprenticeship programme takes around five years to complete, and you’ll spend your first 10 – 12 weeks being 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 an Operational Delivery Engineer, achieving a higher-level qualification (if not already achieved). Your Training will include vocational and academic courses along with placements across our service areas. During these placements you will undertake managed office or field-based training with a team where you can put your new skills into practice.
As you will be studying for a higher-level qualification, you will be required to undertake placements at your training provider for up to two weeks at a time during the first two years. Accommodation and travel costs will be provided.
You’ll become integral to the company offering many benefits who offer a supportive working environment, providing you the skills to make robust decisions and successfully deliver essential works. We are committed to investing in the latest technologies and working methods to improve service to customers. Ready to power up your career? Join us and gain career-building skills, knowledge and qualifications in an established and innovative industry., We reserve the right to close the vacancy early should sufficient numbers of suitable applications be received, so it would be best to apply as soon as you can.
*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 were not able to provide advice on this – For information about visas please visit https://www.gov.uk/browse/visas-immigration/work-visas
apprentice
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Excellent communication skills; one moment, you could be speaking with customers, and the next, colleagues or internal stakeholders. Your success relies on your confidence to interact with the wider business
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You’ll be resilient and willing to learn, genuinely passionate about your career and committed to studying. Curious problem solvers thrive here
In addition to the below qualifications, you are required to hold a GCSE in English AND Maths (Grade A*-B/9-6)
Our minimum entry criteria require the following qualifications (held or predicted):
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A Levels in Maths (Grade A-C) AND a Science (Grade A-C)
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OR HNC/HND in Electrical/Electronic Engineering or Mechanical Engineering
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OR Degree in Maths, Physics, Electrical/Electronic or Mechanical Engineering
If your qualifications are predicated, you must receive your confirmed results prior to the commencement of the scheme.
You will also be required to undertake a Mathematics Diagnostic Test at the start of the higher-level qualification. The test exists to provide a profile of your mathematical strengths and weaknesses and is not used to produce a mark for assessment.
If you are offered a position, you will be required to successfully complete a basic DBS check that shows any unspent convictions or conditional cautions.
Whatever qualifications you hold, we will need to see evidence of them for you to be considered. If possible, please upload evidence of the required qualifications with your application. These can be scanned or photographed and attached as a PDF document.
Start date September 2025. Please note that we are unable to accommodate any annual leave during these first 12 weeks of training.
Operationally we require you to live within approximately 30 minutes of the depot you are applying for. Please only submit one application. If you appear to be a good match for more than one location, we will consider your suitability during the process. Multiple applications will not be considered.
What You’ll Get
Joining the UK’s leading electricity distribution business means plenty of career opportunities and well-deserved recognition. We reward hard work and encourage ambition, which is why we offer a competitive starting salary of £25,642. You will then see your salary increase as you become more experienced, following the timeline below:
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Year 2 – £34,143
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Year 3 – £41,459
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Year 4 (Developmental role) – £44,992
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Apprenticeship Completion – £50,885
In addition to this, you will also receive the following benefits:
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26 days annual leave + statutory holidays
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Competitive pension scheme (Double matched up to 12%) and Sharesave options
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Earn whilst you learn and receive a fully funded qualification
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Develop well-rounded skills, learning from experienced and qualified professionals in the industry
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Employee Assistance Programme is there to take care of you and includes musculoskeletal and physiotherapy services if you need them
Trainee Operational Delivery Engineer - Higher Apprentice - Swansea employer: National Grid
Contact Detail:
National Grid Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Trainee Operational Delivery Engineer - Higher Apprentice - Swansea
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarize yourself with the basics of electrical engineering and safety protocols. Understanding the fundamentals will not only help you during the interview but also show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former apprentices in similar roles. They can provide valuable insights into the training process and what to expect, which can help you stand out during your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Demonstrate your problem-solving skills through practical examples. Whether it's a project from school or a personal challenge, showing how you approached and resolved issues can make a strong impression.
✨Tip Number 4
Be prepared to discuss your flexibility and willingness to travel for placements. Highlighting your adaptability will show that you're ready to embrace the diverse experiences this apprenticeship offers.
We think you need these skills to ace Trainee Operational Delivery Engineer - Higher Apprentice - Swansea
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Make sure to thoroughly read the job description for the Trainee Operational Delivery Engineer position. Understand the key responsibilities and required qualifications, as this will help you tailor your application.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Clearly list your qualifications, especially your GCSEs in English and Maths, and any A Levels or degrees in relevant fields. If you have predicted grades, mention them and ensure to upload evidence of your qualifications with your application.
Showcase Your Skills: Emphasize your communication skills, resilience, and problem-solving abilities in your application. Provide examples of how you've demonstrated these skills in previous experiences, whether in school projects or part-time jobs.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, be clear and concise. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. Make sure your motivation for applying is evident, and express your enthusiasm for the apprenticeship and the opportunity to learn and grow within the company.
How to prepare for a job interview at National Grid
✨Show Your Passion for the Industry
Make sure to express your genuine interest in electrical engineering and the energy sector. Talk about any relevant projects or experiences that sparked your curiosity and passion for this field.
✨Demonstrate Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare examples of how you've approached challenges in the past. Highlight your ability to think critically and solve problems, as these skills are essential for a Trainee Operational Delivery Engineer.
✨Communicate Effectively
Since the role involves interacting with customers and colleagues, practice clear and confident communication. Be ready to discuss how you would handle different scenarios with various stakeholders.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Flexibility and Travel
The job requires flexibility and the ability to travel for placements. Be prepared to discuss your willingness to adapt to different locations and work environments during the interview.
