Network Trainee Design Engineer Higher Apprentice, National Grid Electricty Distribution, Bristol

About the Position

We’re National Grid Electricity Distribution (NGED), the owner and operator behind the electricity distribution systems for the Midlands, the Southwest of England and South Wales. Serving communities of more than 8 million people, our expert teams deliver heat, light and power for homes and businesses, working outdoors with underground cables, overhead lines and substations that operate between 230 and 132,000 volts.

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.

What You'll Do

• Support the design of electrical substations and associated control systems operating at voltages up to 132kV.
• Produce and develop engineering drawings, technical specifications, schedules and project documentation under the guidance of experienced engineers.
• Complete a structured training programme that includes classroom-based learning, practical training and on-the-job experience within local engineering teams.
• Undertake placements across National Grid's operational areas, gaining exposure to a variety of engineering projects, technologies and working environments.
• Spend your initial 10-12 weeks completing an induction programme at one of our training centres in Taunton or Tipton, building core technical and safety knowledge.
• Work alongside engineers and technical specialists to support the delivery of network investment, asset replacement, maintenance and customer connection projects.
• Study towards a higher-level qualification alongside your role, attending block-release training with the education provider where required. Accommodation and travel costs for these placements will be covered by National Grid.
• Apply your learning in both office-based and practical environments, developing the skills, behaviours and knowledge required to progress into a qualified Design Engineer role.

What You'll Need to Apply

• Excellent communication skills; one moment, you could be speaking with customers, and the next, colleagues or internal stakeholders. Your success relies on your confidence to interact with the wider business.
• You’ll be resilient and willing to learn, genuinely passionate about your career and committed to studying. Curious problem solvers thrive here. 

In addition to the below qualifications you are required to hold a GCSE in English Language AND Maths (Grade C/4 or above)

Our minimum entry criteria require the following qualifications (held or predicted):

• 2 A-Levels at grade A*-C, one of which must be Maths, Engineering, Electronics, or Physics
• OR HNC/HND in Electrical/Electronic Engineering or Mechanical Engineering.
• OR Degree in Maths, Physics, Electrical/Electronic or Mechanical Engineering.

• You must be able to travel to and work from a variety of National Grid depots and operational locations throughout the apprenticeship to gain the practical experience required to complete the programme.

If your qualifications are predicted, you must receive your confirmed results prior to the commencement of the scheme.

You will also be required to undertake a Mathematics Diagnostic Test at the start of the higher-level qualification. The test exists to provide a profile of your mathematical strengths and weaknesses and is not used to produce a mark for assessment.

If you are offered a position, you will be required to successfully complete a basic DBS check that shows any unspent convictions or conditional cautions.

Whatever qualifications you hold, we will need to see evidence of them for you to be considered. If possible, please upload evidence of the required qualifications with your application. These can be scanned or photographed and attached as a PDF document.

The start is date September 2027. Please note that we are unable to accommodate any annual leave during these first 12 weeks of training. 

Location

The role is based at Bristol depot. Operationally we require you to live within approximately 60 minutes of the depot you are applying for.

What You'll Get In Return

We are proud to offer a starting salary of £28,137 for this apprenticeship, with annual salary increases throughout the programme:

• Year 2 - £37,465
• Year 3 - £45,492
• Apprenticeship Completion - £55,835

As a first step into your career in the energy industry, our Higher Apprenticeship programme offers a unique opportunity to develop your skills, gain valuable experience, and build a long-term career with National Grid.

Alongside a tailored development programme to power your career at National Grid, we also offer some great rewards and benefits too:

• Upon successful completion of your three year apprenticeship you will achieve a nationally recognised accredited qualification, Higher Technical Qualification (HTQ) in Power Systems Engineering
• 23 days annual leave during training, raising to 26 after completion of the programme + statutory holidays   
• Competitive pension scheme (Double matched up to 12%) and Sharesave options
• Earn whilst you learn and receive a fully funded qualification
• Develop well-rounded skills, learning from experienced and qualified professionals in the industry
• A permanent position upon successful completion of your apprenticeship.

About the Apprenticeship Programme

Alongside your role, you'll complete a Higher Apprenticeship in Power Systems Engineering, typically taking around three years to complete. Combining structured learning with hands-on experience, you'll develop the knowledge, skills and behaviours needed to progress towards a career as an Engineer within Engineering Design.

Your development programme will include:

• Working towards a Higher Technical Qualification (HTQ) in Power Systems Engineering
• An initial 10-12 week induction programme at our Training Centre in either Taunton or Tipton
• Technical training through a combination of vocational learning, academic study and formal courses
• Learning how to design substations and associated control systems operating at up to 132kV
• Office and field-based placements within local engineering teams and across our service area
• Working alongside experienced engineers on live projects while developing practical design and engineering skills
• Block-release study periods of up to two weeks at a time during the first two years, with accommodation and travel costs provided
• Completing apprenticeship assessments and building the experience required to progress into an Engineering Design role

Most of your on-the-job training will take place within local teams, although you may be required to undertake placements at other National Grid locations. As such, you'll need to be flexible and willing to travel as part of your development. You'll earn while you learn, applying your knowledge in real-world environments while building the expertise needed to support the safe and reliable operation of the electricity network.

About National Grid

National Grid is the UK’s critical energy infrastructure company, operating the electricity network and infrastructure that connects millions of people to the energy they use every day, supporting homes, businesses and communities across England and Wales.

We know the future of energy won't be shaped by what we know today. It will be shaped by what's possible tomorrow. That's why we're investing in the next generation of talent, giving apprentices, undergraduates and graduates the opportunity to learn from experts, gain hands-on experience and contribute to work that matters from day one.

Are you ready to unlock the power of the possible?

More Information

We recruit on a rolling basis across our Early Careers Roles. We may close our vacancies early once we have enough applications. We therefore encourage you to apply as early as possible. 

National Grid's Early Careers opportunities in the UK are open to all applicants who meet the eligibility criteria including an existing and valid right to work in the UK. As part of the application process this will need to be evidenced and verified before you can start the programme.

Please note that in most cases, National Grid is unable to offer sponsorship for employment under the UK points-based immigration system. As such, applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK without requiring sponsorship now or in the future under the UK points-based immigration system. However, in exceptional circumstances where there is a clear and demonstrable need for specialist skills that cannot be sourced from the local labour market, National Grid may consider offering sponsorship. All applications are welcome from candidates who meet these requirements, regardless of race, nationality, or ethnic origin.

Please be aware that it’s your responsibility to explore avenues of working in the UK, as we're not able to provide advice on this. For information about visas please visit https://www.gov.uk/browse/visas-immigration/work-visas