Substation Engineer Advanced Apprentice South East; North Asset Operations

2026 Substation Engineer Advanced Apprentice South East (North Kent), Asset Operations

Apply for the 2026 Substation Engineer Advanced Apprentice South East (North Kent), Asset Operations role at National Grid.

Would you like to work 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.

On this apprenticeship you will be working towards a Level 3 EAL Subsidiary Diploma in Engineering Technologies. You will also be paid over £24,000 a year while you train, with free food, accommodation, and travel.

The training is carried out through a combination of courses run at our Global Technical Training Centre of Excellence and on‑site training on real transmission equipment in a live substation environment.

Our three‑year Advanced Apprenticeship Substations will train you to become a technician in one of our 347 substations. Our substations are instrumental in the transmission of high‑voltage electricity over England and Wales and in transforming high‑voltage electricity into low‑voltage electricity for homes and businesses.

Your role will involve:

• Performing maintenance, repair and monitoring of high‑voltage substation equipment including circuit breakers, transformers, disconnectors, compressors, and auxiliary systems.
• Repairing joints and working with air systems, batteries, and environmental battery charger systems.
• Following strict safety guidelines and demonstrating safety behaviours.

We’re looking for people who want to get stuck in. If that sounds like you, we’d be very interested in receiving your application.

This role is based across the South East region and will require you to travel within the region. You must live within a 45‑minute drive of postcode DA11 8HX.

You are driven, proactive, and eager to continuously improve. You can build on your existing knowledge and communicate effectively with people from different backgrounds. You are a flexible multitasker who pays great attention to detail.

You are not required to be academically dazzling – practical engineering mindsets are valued. You must have five GCSEs, including passes in Maths and English Language (or equivalent), graded 4/C or above.

By the end of your first year you will need a driving licence that permits you to drive in the UK.

You will need to live away from home during training, primarily at the Eakring Training Centre in Nottinghamshire, with on‑site attendance Monday to Thursday.

Year 1 – around 75%

Year 2 – around 50%

Year 3 – around 25%

• Starting salary of £24,306.
• 26 days annual leave plus statutory holidays.
• Up to a £250 bonus depending on performance.
• Double‑matched pension contribution scheme.
• One professional membership subscription paid.

Our My Discounts scheme offers discounts on a wide range of products and services.

National Grid is committed to the personal development of our staff. You’ll receive structured training and on‑job experience, supported by a personalised development plan.

National Grid is at the heart of the energy future in the UK. We help get energy from A to B across England and Wales.

Our values and principles emphasize diversity, equity, and inclusion. We encourage applications from all backgrounds and welcome applicants who meet our eligibility criteria.

National Grid's Apprenticeship programme is open to all applicants who meet eligibility criteria, including a valid right to work in the UK. Applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK without requiring sponsorship. In exceptional circumstances, National Grid may consider offering sponsorship where there is a clear need for specialist skills.

Assessment centres will be held between January – April 2026.

• Seniority level:
  Internship
• Employment type:
  
  Full‑time
• Job function:
  Engineering and Information Technology
• Industry: Utilities

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