Substation Engineer Apprentice Sout East Asset Operations

About the Role

Ensuring the future of electricity transmission

We don’t think of engineering as a job, we think of it as a legacy. A way of passing on a brighter energy future and keeping the lights on.

Wouldyou like to be part of it? How about working for a company that makes electricity happen for every single person in England and Wales? A company that invests billions in Net Zero and creating a brighter energy future?

How about being paid over £30,000 a year while you train… with free food, free accommodation, AND free travel too?

Our Three-year Higher Apprenticeship Substations programme will train you to become an engineer in one of our substations, where we transform high‑voltage electricity into low‑voltage electricity to make it usable for homes and businesses.

You’ll be learning about testing equipment, safety, protection and control of the system, substation refurbishment maintenance, technical support, problem diagnosis and fault fixing.

At the end of the three years, you’ll have a Level 4 Higher National Certificate in Power Network Electrical Power Protection & Plant Commissioning. Most importantly, you’ll have a permanent job waiting for you!

A job where the decisions you make will impact the transmission of electricity in England and Wales for the next 40 or 50 years. A job where you’ll be delivering maintenance work, replacing and refurbishing assets, fixing mechanical and electrical issues, and connecting new customers. A job that helps connect energy from renewable sources such as wind and solar farms to the transmission network.

Here some extra information we thought was important for you to know:

• It’s important that you deliver all works with safety being at the heart of all actions and decisions. Demonstrating safety behaviours by not walking past, following process and rules and speaking up where things don’t look right.
• You’ll be working towards Senior Authorised Person (SAP). Leading teams of fitters and contractors on high voltage substation projects ensuring they are set to work in the correct manner, including the provision of risk assessments and method statements, and that toolbox talks take place.
• You’ll also be managing, monitoring and reviewing progress on safety critical works. Undertake site delivery activities of projects as the appointed temporary works co‑ordinator and principle contractor as defined in CDM regs, and helping keep the UK’s electricity network running smoothly. You’ll also join a standby rota for emergency call‑outs – earning additional payments for your expertise and availability.

This role is based across the South East region. This means you'll be expected to travel around this region as part of your role.

Due to the nature of this role, you'll need to live within a 45 minute drive of the following postcode:
DA11 8HX

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.

• You’ll have two A‑Levels, including Maths or Physics graded C or above, or a BTEC that includes a Maths or Engineering module.

• A valid UK driving licence 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 Electrical power protection and plant commissioning.

We are proud to offer a starting salary of £31,310

As a first step to your career in the energy industry, our Higher Apprenticeship Programmes are like no other! You’ll gain an insight into how we work at National Grid, understand what a career with us can offer, and receive some great rewards and benefits.

• 26 days…