Substation Engineer Advanced Apprentice Asset Operations

2026 Substation Engineer Advanced Apprentice – Central Suffolk (Ipswich), Asset Operations

Join to apply for the 2026 Substation Engineer Advanced Apprentice – Central Suffolk (Ipswich), Asset Operations role at National Grid
.

About the Role
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. You will learn to:

• Perform maintenance on power transformers, main connections and terminals.
• Repair different types of joints and work with air systems, batteries and environmental battery charger systems.
• Follow strict safety guidelines while carrying out maintenance, repair and monitoring of high‑voltage substation equipment such as circuit breakers, transformers, disconnectors, compressors and auxiliary systems.

Location
This role is based across the Central region. You will be expected to travel within the region and you must live within a 45‑minute drive of IP8 4JL
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About You
You are driven, proactive and have an appetite for continuous improvement. You’re articulate and can communicate with different people. You are a flexible multitasker and can focus on details. Practical people with an engineering mindset who are keen to apply themselves are encouraged to apply. You must have at least five GCSEs including Maths and English (or equivalent) graded 4/C or above.

By the end of the first year you will need a UK driving licence.

Training Schedule
You will live away from home during training, primarily at our Eakring Training Centre in Nottinghamshire.

Typical schedule:

• Year 1 – 75 % on‑site
• Year 2 – 50 % on‑site
• Year 3 – 25 % on‑site

What You'll Get

• Starting salary of £24,306
• 26 days annual leave plus statutory holidays
• Potential £250 bonus, depending on performance
• Double‑matched pension contribution scheme
• One professional membership subscription paid
• Access to My Discounts scheme across a range of retailers

About National Grid
National Grid is at the heart of the energy future, with 30,000 colleagues across the UK. We do not generate or sell energy but join the dots to get energy from A to

B. Our electricity network keeps homes, businesses and hospitals powered. We invest in Net Zero and building a cleaner, greener future.

Our Values and Principles
Diversity, equity and inclusion are at the heart of who we are. We encourage applications from all backgrounds and are happy to discuss adjustments you may require.

Logistics
Only one apprenticeship may be applied for during this recruitment cycle. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Assessment centres will be held between January and April 2026.

ECO – Equal Opportunity Notice
National Grid's Apprenticeship programme is open to all suitable applicants who have the legal right to work in the UK without requiring sponsorship under the UK points‑based immigration system. All applications are welcome irrespective of race, nationality or ethnic origin.