Overhead Lines Higher Apprentice - National
NATIONAL GRID PLC
Recruiting nationally
Closes on Monday 19 January 2026
Posted on 13 November 2025
Contents
Summary
At National Grid, we see engineering as more than just a job - it's a legacy, a way to shape a brighter energy future and keep the lights on. Would you like to be part of it? How about working for a company that powers every single person in England and Wales? A company that invests billions in Net Zero and creating a sustainable energy future?
- Wage
-
Check minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)
You’ll get 26 days annual leave plus statutory holidays We have a double-matched pension contribution scheme There is the option to buy discounted National Grid shares We will pay for one professional membership subscription
- Training course
- Electrical power networks engineer (level 4)
- Hours
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Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm
38 hours a week
- Start date
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Tuesday 1 September 2026
- Duration
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3 years
- Positions available
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2
Work
Most of your apprenticeship is spent working. You’ll learn on the job by getting hands-on experience.
What you'll do at work
Our three-year Higher Apprenticeship Overhead Line programme will train you to become an engineer in one of our Overhead Line teams.
During the programme you'll:
- Gain comprehensive knowledge of Overhead Lines, the types of conductors, fittings and insulator systems that are installed.
- You’ll work on the safety of the system and general safety.
- Work on overhead line refurbishment & maintenance methods, technical support, 3rd Party requests and fault fixing.
This is 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 involved in:
- Delivering maintenance work.
- Replacing and refurbishing assets.
- Resolving mechanical and electrical issues.
Your role will also contribute to connecting renewable energy from sources like wind and solar farms to the transmission network.
Eventually, you may even be an Overhead Line Project Leader and taking responsibility for the safety of your co-workers.
Where you'll work
This role is national and can be based anywhere. Therefore, candidates may apply as long as they live in England or Wales.
Training
Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.
Training provider
NATIONAL GRID PLC
Training course
Electrical power networks engineer (level 4)
Understanding apprenticeship levels (opens in new tab)
Training schedule
Initially you will be at our National Training Centre in Eakring, Nottinghamshire for your Induction period which is around six weeks, then periodically for technical training.
In the first year, you will spend around 75% of your time at the Eakring Training Centre with the remaining 25% on site (gathering site-based experience). You'll be working towards a Level 4 Electrical power networks engineer apprenticeship standard.
Year two will be 50/50 at Eakring and on site.
In the third year 75% on site and 25% at Eakring Training Dentre.
More training information
This is a physically active role that may include occasional working at height, manual handling, and some outdoor work in varied conditions. Applicants should be confident in their ability to meet these demands safely and effectively, with reasonable adjustments considered in line with our commitment to equal opportunities.
Requirements
Essential qualifications
GCSE in:
A Level in:
T Level in:
BTEC in:
Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.
Skills
- Communication skills
- Attention to detail
- Organisation skills
- Problem solving skills
- Analytical skills
- Logical
- Initiative
- Physical fitness
- Reliable
- Adaptable
- Responsible
- Safety
Other requirements
You must be able to live away from home; primarily at our Eakring academy in Nottinghamshire. Food and accommodation are provided as standard.
About this employer
National Grid is at the heart of the energy future, and our people are at the heart of National Grid. We’re 30,000 colleagues strong. In the UK, National Grid don’t generate or sell energy – we join the dots to get energy from A to B. From making a cup of tea in the morning, to keeping the lights on in hospitals, our electricity network puts power in the hands of people. Without it, the world as we know it would grind to a halt. The world of energy is changing beyond recognition as we focus on building a cleaner, greener future. Working at National Grid, you won’t just be touching the lives of almost everyone in the UK – you’ll be shaping the way we use and consume energy for generations to come. Net-zero targets are transforming the way we work and increasing the scope of the positive impact we can make. Right now, we’re looking for apprentices to join us. Our people in Network Services work across a number of teams to keep the lights on for our customers. They might be helping a customer who has lost supply or supporting a developer building a multi-million pound project. They maintain a 24/7 service from faults and maintenance, asset replacement to new connections, working outdoors with underground cables, overhead lines and substations that operate between 230 and 132,000 volts, their work is critical to everything we do.
https://www.nationalgrid.com/uk (opens in new tab)
Disability Confident
A fair proportion of interviews for this apprenticeship will be offered to applicants with a disability or long-term health condition. This includes non-visible disabilities and conditions.
You can choose to be considered for an interview under the Disability Confident scheme. You’ll need to meet the essential requirements to be considered for an interview.
After this apprenticeship
By the end of the programme, you'll hold a Level 4 Higher National Certificate in Power Network Engineering.
Ask a question
The contact for this apprenticeship is:
NATIONAL GRID PLC
The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000000376.
Apply now
Closes on Monday 19 January 2026
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