2026 Outage Planning Engineer Higher Apprentice, Network Operations, Warwick

National Grid; Warwick; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading energy company in Warwick is seeking an Outage Planning Engineer Higher Apprentice to efficiently manage power outages. This role offers practical experience while working towards a Level 4 HTQ in Electrical/Electronic Engineering. Applicants should possess GCSEs in key subjects and have or expect to achieve A-Levels in relevant disciplines. The company offers a starting salary of £31,310 with multiple benefits and career development opportunities.

Benefits

26 days annual leave

Pension scheme

Flexible benefits

Qualifications

• Must achieve GCSE grades 9 to 4 including necessary subjects.
• Expected or achieved A-Levels or BTEC in STEM.
• Valid UK driving license needed within first 12 months.

Responsibilities

• Plan essential maintenance outages with substation crews.
• Collaborate with stakeholders for accessible planned works.
• Assess risks for smart decision making.
• Adjust plans to respond to critical faults.
• Communicate value and impact of each outage.

Skills

GCSEs in English, Maths, and Science

A-Levels in Maths or Physics or BTEC Level 3

Determination to learn

Job description

About the role

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

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, focusing on smart planning, clear communication, and keeping the electricity flowing.

Key responsibilities

• 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 to 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 our National Grid Training Academy in Eakring, Nottinghamshire to complete a variety of in‑house, specialist training programmes.

About you

• 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.
• Need 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 transferable skills 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.

• Upon successful completion of the 2-year apprenticeship, you will achieve a nationally recognised accredited qualification – a Level 4 HTQ in Electrical/ Electronic Engineering.
• 26 days annual leave + statutory holidays.
• Pension scheme and share‑save options.
• Flexible benefits including cycle‑to‑work, buy/sell holiday, and other perks.
• Opportunity to enrol in our share‑save/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. Our 30,000 colleagues keep the country’s electricity running – from powering hospitals to keeping the lights on. We don’t generate or sell energy; we connect the dots to get energy from A to B.

As the world shifts towards a cleaner future, working at National Grid means shaping how people 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. We encourage applications from all backgrounds and are happy to discuss any adjustments you require.

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 received enough applications. Assessment centres will be held between January – April 2026.

Our apprenticeship programme is open to all applicants who meet the eligibility criteria, including an existing and valid right to work in the UK. You must have a legal right to work in the UK without requiring sponsorship.

For information about visas please visit UK visa information.

At National Grid, it’s our people who provide our true superpower. We drive and sustain our growth, and our unique differences make us stronger. We welcome and encourage applicants with diverse experiences and backgrounds, offering flexible and tailored support at home and in the office where and when needed.