Substation Engineer Apprentice South East Asset Operations

2026 Substation Engineer Higher Apprentice South East (Sussex), Asset Operations

Join to apply for the 2026 Substation Engineer Higher Apprentice South East (Sussex), Asset Operations role at National Grid
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Ensuring the future of electricity transmission – we think of engineering as a legacy, passing on a brighter energy future and keeping the lights on. This three‑year Higher Apprenticeship Substations programme will train you to become an engineer who transforms high‑voltage electricity into low‑voltage supply for homes and businesses. You’ll learn about testing equipment, safety, protection, control, substation refurbishment, maintenance, technical support, problem diagnosis and fault fixing.

At the end you will earn a Level 4 Higher National Certificate in Power Network Electrical Power Protection & Plant Commissioning, and a permanent job will await you.

• Deliver all works with safety as the heart of all actions and decisions, demonstrating safety behaviours and speaking up where things don’t look right.
• Work toward Senior Authorised Person (SAP) status, leading teams of fitters and contractors on high‑voltage substation projects, ensuring correct procedures, risk assessments, method statements and toolbox talks.
• Manage, monitor and review progress on safety‑critical works; undertake site delivery activities as temporary works coordinator and principal contractor, and join a standby rota for emergency call‑outs, earning additional payments.
• Perform maintenance work, replace and refurbish assets, fix mechanical and electrical issues, and connect new customers, supporting the transmission of electricity across England and Wales.

• Two A‑Levels, including Maths or Physics at C or above, or a BTEC with Maths or Engineering module.
• Valid UK driving licence.
• Ability to live away from home during training – primarily at Eakring Training Centre in Nottinghamshire, with time in Loughborough for Higher National Certificate studies.
• Practical engineering mindset, enthusiasm to apply yourself, proactive and driven, with communication skills and ability to handle multiple responsibilities and attention to detail.

This role is based across the South East Sussex region; you are expected to travel within the region. You must live within a 45‑minute drive of postcode TN33 9BJ
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Starting salary: £31,310 per year. Benefits include:

• 26 days annual leave plus statutory holidays.
• Double‑matched pension contribution scheme.
• Option to buy discounted National Grid shares.
• One professional membership subscription.
• ‘My Discounts’ scheme with savings on shops, holidays, cinema tickets and major retailers.
• Structured training, personal development plan and career support.

National Grid is committed to the personal development of all staff and encourages applications from all backgrounds, communities and industries.