Substation Engineer Apprentice South East Thames Estuary Asset Operations

2026 Substation Engineer Higher Apprentice South East Thames Estuary (Kent), Asset Operations

Join to apply for the 2026 Substation Engineer Higher Apprentice South East Thames Estuary (Kent), 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. This 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 to make it usable for homes and businesses.

You will 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 programme you’ll hold a Level 4 Higher National Certificate in Power Network Electrical Power Protection & Plant Commissioning and a permanent job will await you.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver all works with safety as the core, demonstrating safety behaviours, following processes and speaking up where things don’t look right.
• Work towards Senior Authorised Person (SAP), 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, acting as appointed temporary works co‑ordinator and principal contractor per CDM regulations, keeping the UK’s electricity network running smoothly.
• Join a standby rota for emergency call outs, earning additional payments for your expertise and availability.

Location

This role is based across the South East Thames Estuary region. You’ll be expected to travel around the region as part of your role. You must live within a 45‑minute drive of ME3 9NT
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About You

You’re driven, proactive and always seeking ways to improve. Academic brilliance isn’t the only thing we’re looking for; we value practical individuals with engineering mindsets who are eager to apply themselves.

Qualifications

• 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 licence that allows you to drive three months before your start date.
• You’ll need to be willing to live away from home during training; primarily at our Eakring Training Centre in Nottinghamshire and later in Loughborough for Higher National Certificate studies. Typical onsite schedule:
  Monday‑Thursday on‑site, Friday‑Sunday ‑site time:
  Year 1 ~75%, Year 2 ~50%, Year 3 ~25%.

What You’ll Get

We are proud to offer a starting salary of £31,310 and a range of benefits.

Benefits

• 26 days annual leave plus statutory holidays
• Double‑matched pension contribution scheme
• Option to purchase discounted National Grid shares>
• One professional membership subscription paid by the company
• My Discounts scheme for savings on shops, holidays and retailers such as Sainsbury’s, John Lewis, Currys, Argos and & Spencer
• Structured training, on‑job experience and a personal development plan with your line manager

Further Information

You can only apply for one Apprenticeship opportunity during this recruitment cycle. We recruit on a rolling basis and reserve the right to close vacancies when we have enough applications. Assessment centres will be held between January – April 2026. Applicants must have the right to work in the UK without requiring sponsorship.

Seniority level

Internship

Employment type

Full‑time

Job function

Engineering and Information Technology

Industries

Utilities