Overhead Lines Advanced Apprentice, Electricity Distribution

2026 Overhead Lines Advanced Apprenticeship, National Grid Energy Distribution (Hereford/Ludlow)

Join to apply for the 2026 Overhead Lines Advanced Apprenticeship role at National Grid

About Us
We’re National Grid Electricity Distribution (NGED), the owner and operator behind the electricity distribution systems for the Midlands, the Southwest of England and South Wales. Serving communities of more than 8 million people, our expert teams deliver heat, light and power for homes and businesses, working outdoors with underground cables, overhead lines and substations that operate between 230 and 132,000 volts.

Net‑zero targets are transforming the way we work and increasing the scope of the positive impact we can make. Right now, we’re looking for apprentices to join us. Our people in Network Services work across a number of teams to keep the lights on for our customers. 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
The apprenticeship programme takes approximately three years to complete. You’ll spend the first 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 a Power Networks Craftsperson, achieving a City & Guilds Level 2 Qualification in Electrical Engineering. Your training will include periods of on‑the‑job training and development, learning from an experienced and qualified Overhead Linesperson.

Following a formal assessment of your knowledge, skills and behaviours, you’ll become a qualified Overhead Linesperson yourself.

Overhead Lines persons are overhead line engineers who work at height constructing, maintaining, testing, repairing and replacing overhead lines and equipment. You will represent National Grid and carry out work handed down by other areas of the business.

Skills
You will participate in craft activities on the live LV network, on dead LV, HV and EHV circuits (live HV circuits if part of a Hot Glove team). You’ll help with network operations, connect generators and services and organise your own projects. You’ll also:

• Construct and alter overhead lines, install pole‑mounted plant, run and terminate cables to plant and overhead lines
• Carry out routine inspection, maintenance and repairs of overhead equipment
• Record asset routes, details and positions
• Record plant details
• Locate and identify cables, test insulation, phasing and continuity on LV cables
• Test earthing, voltage, phasing and phase rotation
• Write outage requests and switching programmes for simple outages

What You'll Need
We’re looking for communication skills, the ability to work outdoors in all weather, safety awareness, resilience, a passion for learning and a strong sense of commitment. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age by the start date of the programme (1 September 2026).

• Excellent communication skills and confidence interacting with colleagues and stakeholders.
• Adventurous and able to work outdoors in all weather.
• Safety awareness – follow instructions, use protective equipment and wear protective clothing.
• Resilient, willing to learn, passionate and committed to studying.
• Must be 18+ by 1 September 2026.

Minimum Entry Criteria

• GCSE English at Grade A*‑C/9‑4 or Level 2 Functional/Key Skills English
• GCSE Mathematics at Grade A*‑C/9‑4 or Level 2 Functional/Key Skills Maths
• GCSE Science at Grade A*‑C/9‑4 or BTEC Science Level 2 equivalent
• Two other GCSEs A*‑C/9‑4 or Level 2 qualifications in any subject

Applicants may also apply with a recognised Level 3 qualification in Electrical Engineering plus GCSE Grade C/4 or above in Maths and English. Evidence of qualifications will be required before appointment. All applicants must undergo a basic DBS check.

Start Date
September 2026. The first 12 weeks of training do not accommodate annual leave.

Operational Requirement
Applicants must live within approximately 30 minutes of the depot they are applying for. Only one application will be considered per…