Substation Engineer Apprentice North West Asset Operations

2026 Substation Engineer Higher Apprentice North West Lancashire (Preston), Asset Operations

Join to apply for the 2026 Substation Engineer Higher Apprentice North West Lancashire (Preston), Asset Operations role at National Grid
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About The Role

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.

Would you 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?

... 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 for homes and businesses.

You’ll learn 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. 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 are some extra information:

• 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.

Location

This role is based across the North West Lancashire region and you’ll be expected to travel around this region. Due to the nature of this role, you need to live within a 45 minute drive of postcode PR1 0NS
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About You

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 license that allows you to drive three months before your start date.
• You’ll need to be able to live away from home during your training, primarily at our Eakring Training Centre in Nottinghamshire. You'll also spend time in Loughborough studying for your Higher National Certificate in Electrical power protection and plant commissioning. Typically, you’ll stay on-site from Monday to Thursday and return home for the weekend. The amount of time spent at Eakring will decrease as you progress through the programme:
  • Year 1 – around 75%
  • Year 2 – around 50%
  • Year 3 –…