Outage Planning Engineer Higher Apprentice

National Grid; England; Hybrid; GBP 31,000 - 37,000; Full time

Job summary

A major energy provider in the UK is seeking an Outage Planning Engineer Higher Apprentice to assist in planning and managing power outages crucial for maintenance operations. This role requires collaboration with various stakeholders, assessment of risks and demands a strong commitment to learning and development. The programme offers a competitive salary and the potential for permanent employment upon completion. Candidates need to have at least five GCSEs and will be trained in key technical competencies.

Benefits

26 days annual leave

Pension scheme

Flexible benefits

Accredited Level 4 qualification

Qualifications

• You will have good communication skills and be able to work in a team.
• You must be determined and willing to learn.
• A valid UK driving licence is needed within the first year.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with substation crews for maintenance outage planning.
• Work with stakeholders to ensure system readiness for maintenance.
• Assess risks and adjust plans in response to issues.

Skills

Determination

Communication

Problem-solving

Education

Minimum of five GCSEs including English, Maths, and Science

Two A-Levels at grade C or above including Maths or Physics

Job description

About the role

As an Outage Planning Engineer Higher Apprentice at National Grid, you'll join the Electricity Transmission Network Operations and Intelligence team to help plan and manage power outages so essential maintenance can happen with minimal disruption to our customers.

At National Grid we utilise advanced technologies and maintain clear communication channels to enhance system reliability and customer satisfaction during outages. As an Outage Planning Engineer Higher Apprentice, you would play a crucial role in enabling us to do this.

Within this role you will gain experience in creating detailed plans for scheduled power outages, mapping out which lines are affected, what work needs doing, and when it will happen. Working closely with customers, regulators and neighbouring utilities you will ensure everything runs smoothly – it’s all about smart planning, clear communication and keeping the electricity flowing.

Key responsibilities of the role

• Work in collaboration with substation crews to plan essential maintenance outages that keep the network safe and reliable.
• Work with key stakeholders to make sure the system is ready and accessible for planned works.
• Assess risks and complete assessments to help make smart decisions that avoid unexpected issues.
• Respond to critical faults fast, adjusting plans to keep everything running smoothly.
• Explain the ‘why’ behind the work, showing the value and impact of each outage.

Location for this role

This role is based in the office headquarters in Warwick and offers flexible, hybrid working. You will also spend time at Loughborough College to study for your HTQ in Electrical/ Electronic Engineering and at the National Grid Training Academy in Eakring, Nottinghamshire to complete a variety of in‑house, specialist training programmes.

About you

• You will have a minimum of five GCSEs with grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), including English, Maths and a Science.
• Have or be predicted to achieve two A‑Levels at grade C or above, including Maths or Physics, or a BTEC National Certificate or Diploma Level 3 in a STEM discipline at Grade Merit or Distinction.
• You will need to have a valid UK driving licence within the first 12 months of starting the programme.

You don’t need prior work experience; determination and will to succeed are far more important, as we will teach you everything you need to know. The role will provide you with a variety of skills, including transferable ones, to support your career development within National Grid.

What you’ll get

We are proud to offer a starting salary of £31,310 for this apprenticeship, which will increase annually.

As a first step to your career in the energy industry, our Higher Apprenticeship programmes are like no other. You’ll gain an insight into how we work at National Grid, understand what a career with us can offer, and receive great rewards and benefits:

• Upon successful completion of your 2‑year apprenticeship, you will achieve a nationally recognised accredited qualification: a Level 4 HTQ in Electrical/ Electronic Engineering.
• 26 days of annual leave + statutory holidays.
• Pension scheme and sharesave options.
• Flexible benefits, including cycle‑to‑work and buy‑sell holiday.
• Opportunity to enrol in our sharesave/share incentive plans.
• You’ll develop well‑rounded skills through practical experience.
• A permanent position upon successful completion of your apprenticeship.

About National Grid

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 doesn’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 touch the lives of almost everyone in the UK – you’ll shape the way we use and consume energy for generations to come.

Our Values and Principles

Diversity, equity and inclusion are at the heart of who we are and what we do. Our commitment to these values is unwavering and central to our mission. We encourage applications from all backgrounds, communities and industries and are happy to discuss any adjustments you may need.

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 once we have enough applications or based on volume. Apply early to secure your place.

Assessment centres will be held between January and April 2026.

National Grid's Apprenticeship programme in the UK is 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.

In most cases, National Grid is unable to offer sponsorship for employment under the UK points‑based immigration system. You must have the legal right to work in the UK without requiring sponsorship now or in the future. 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. National Grid is committed to building a workforce of the future that represents the communities we serve.