2026 Overhead Lines Advanced Apprentice (West Boldon), Asset Operations

National Grid; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 25,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading energy company in the UK is offering an Advanced Apprenticeship as an Overhead Lines Power Network Craftsperson. The role involves safe construction and maintenance of the electrical power network while earning over £24,000 annually. The apprenticeship includes extensive training, 26 days of annual leave, and a £250 performance bonus. Ideal candidates will possess five GCSEs including Maths and English, and exhibit strong communication and problem-solving skills. Applicants must be able to work outdoors and at height.

Benefits

26 days annual leave plus statutory holidays

Bonus based on performance

Pension contribution scheme

Discounted National Grid shares

Financial support for study

Professional membership subscription paid

My Discounts scheme for savings

Qualifications

• Applicants must meet GCSE requirements with grades 4/C or above in Maths and English.
• Candidates need to be physically capable of working at height and in outdoor conditions.

Responsibilities

• Construct, maintain, and repair the electrical power network.
• Carry out risk assessments before climbing structures.
• Drive to remote job sites with necessary tools and materials.
• Operate plant and equipment safely.
• Receive structured training and shadow experienced linespersons.

Skills

Communication

Problem-solving

Teamwork

Education

Five GCSEs including Maths and English Language

Job description

About the Role

Work at the heart of National Grid

Would you like to work for a company that makes electricity happen for every single person in England and Wales, and invest billions in Net Zero and a brighter energy future?

On this apprenticeship you will be working towards a Level 3 Power Network Craftsperson qualification.

You will also be paid over £24,000 a year while you train, with free food, accommodation, and travel.

Our three-year Advanced Apprenticeship will train you to become a craftsperson providing site support to our Overhead Line network. As an Overhead Lines Power Network Craftsperson, you will have responsibility for the safe construction, maintenance and repair of the UK’s electrical power network to provide a safe and dependable supply of electricity. This involves working at various locations across the company’s power network and requires a disciplined and responsible approach to work. The role requires good physical ability to access positions at height and you should be happy to work outside in all weathers.

The life of an Advanced Apprentice is varied and fast‑paced; no two days are the same. On a day‑to‑day basis you could expect to be involved with:

• Work in accordance with safe practices and procedures, carry out risk assessments including checking the structures to be climbed and the working conditions while working at height.
• Climb steel towers to install, maintain, test, repair and dismantle overhead line plant and equipment safely at height, solving problems in an organised and practical way.
• Drive vehicles equipped with tools and materials to remote job sites.
• Safely operate plant and equipment such as winches, Telehandlers and MEWPs.
• Shadow experienced linespersons to gain new skills and knowledge whilst in the field.
• Receive Health and Safety training leading to role specific authorisations.
• Be away from home and work in a variety of zones/geographical areas to develop skills.

Location

You must live within 45 minutes of NE36 0BG to be considered for this role.

About You

You are driven and proactive, with an appetite for continuous improvement. You know how to build on your existing knowledge and skills and have the enthusiasm to run with things and to try to make them better. You’re articulate and know how to communicate appropriately with different people.

You are a flexible multitasker who can do multiple jobs at the same time and still pay great attention to detail. It’s doesn’t matter if you’re not academically dazzling; we want practical people with engineering mindsets who are really keen to apply themselves.

• Our Advanced Apprenticeships are for people who have five GCSEs, including passes in Maths and English Language graded 4/C or above.
• By the end of your first year, you’ll need a driving licence that permits you to drive in the UK.
• You must be able to live away from home; primarily at our Eakring academy.

This is a physically active role that includes working at height, climbing, manual handling, and 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.

What You’ll Get

We are proud to offer a starting salary of £24,306.

• You’ll be working towards a Level 3 Power Industry Overhead Lines Person qualification

• 26 days annual leave plus statutory holidays

• You could earn a £250 bonus, depending on performance

• Our double‑matched pension contribution scheme means your pension could be worth up to 18% of your salary

• There is the option to buy discounted National Grid shares

• Financial support for study relevant to your role is available

• We will pay for one professional membership subscription

Our My Discounts scheme offers discounts on everything from the weekly shop to your annual summer holidays. You’ll find savings on cinema tickets and at a range of high street retailers, including Sainsburys, John Lewis, Currys, Argos and Marks and Spencer.

National Grid is committed to the personal development of our staff. Joining us, you’ll be supported as you develop a wide range of business and technical skills through structured training and on‑the‑job experience. You’ll work closely with your line manager to establish and navigate through a Personal Development Plan that is tailored to your needs.

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 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.

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 they are central to our mission. We encourage applications from all backgrounds, communities and industries and we are happy to discuss any adjustments that 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 our vacancies once we have enough applications based on volume of applications. We encourage you to apply as early as possible to ensure you obtain the place you want in the application process.

Assessment centres will be held between January – 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.

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