2026 Substation Engineer Advanced Apprentice

National Grid; Todwick; Hybrid; GBP 24,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading energy company in the UK offers an Advanced Apprenticeship in engineering technologies. The program is open to applicants with FIVE GCSEs, including Maths and English, and includes extensive practical training in high-voltage substations. The apprenticeship provides a starting salary of £24,306, offers various benefits, and emphasizes safety and professional development. Successful candidates will engage in real-world maintenance tasks and gain vital skills for their careers in the energy sector.

Benefits

26 days annual leave plus statutory holidays

Possible £250 bonus

Double-matched pension contribution

One professional membership subscription paid

Qualifications

• Must have a valid driving license by the end of the first year.
• Practical mindset with engineering focus.
• No requirement for academic excellence.

Responsibilities

• Work towards a Level 3 EAL Subsidiary Diploma in Engineering Technologies.
• Maintenance on power transformers and high-voltage equipment.
• Follow strict safety guidelines during all tasks.

Skills

Proactive attitude

Attention to detail

Flexibility

Communication skills

Education

FIVE GCSEs including Maths and English Language (or equivalent)

Job description

Recruitment & Eligibility

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. 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. We do not provide advice on working in the UK – that is your responsibility.

Role Expectations

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 doesn't matter if you're not academically dazzling; we want practical people with engineering mindsets who are really keen to apply themselves.

Qualifications

Our Advanced Apprenticeships are for people who have FIVE GCSEs, including passes in Maths and English Language (or equivalent) 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.

Training & Responsibilities

Work at the heart of National Grid. You will be working towards a Level 3 EAL Subsidiary Diploma in Engineering Technologies. You will also be paid over £24,000 a year while you train, with free food, accommodation, and travel. The training is carried out through a combination of courses run at our Global Technical Training Centre of Excellence and on‑site training on real transmission equipment in a live substation environment.

Our three‑year Advanced Apprenticeship Substations will train you to become a technician in one of our 347 substations. Our substations are instrumental in the transmission of high‑voltage electricity over England and Wales, converting high‑voltage electricity into low‑voltage electricity that can be used in homes and businesses. Your role will include maintenance work on power transformers, main connections, and terminals; repairing different types of joints; and working with air systems, batteries, and environmental battery charger systems. Following strict safety guidelines, you will carry out the maintenance, repair, and monitoring of high‑voltage substation equipment, including circuit breakers, transformers, disconnectors, compressors, and auxiliary systems. This apprenticeship will allow you to become one of the technicians who keep the safe and reliable supply of electricity.

Safety

• It is important that you deliver all work with safety at the heart of all actions and decisions. Demonstrate safety behaviours by not walking past, following process and rules, and speaking up where things don't look right.

Location & Travel

This role is based across the North West Wales region. You will be expected to travel around this region as part of your role. Due to the nature of this role, you need to live within a 45‑minute drive of the postcode LL574ED.

Training Centre Schedule

You will need to live away from home during training, primarily at our Eakring Training Centre in Nottinghamshire. Typically, you will stay on‑site from Monday to Thursday and return home for the weekend (Friday to Sunday). The amount of time spent at Eakring will decrease as you progress:

• Year 1 – around 75 %
• Year 2 – around 50 %
• Year 3 – around 25 %

What You’ll Get

We are proud to offer a starting salary of £24,306. As a first step to your career in the energy industry, our Advanced Apprenticeship Programmes provide insight into how we work, the career opportunities, and a range of rewards and benefits.

• 26 days annual leave plus statutory holidays
• Possible £250 bonus, depending on performance
• Double‑matched pension contribution scheme
• One professional membership subscription paid by the company

Our My Discounts scheme offers discounts on everyday shopping and holiday expenses. National Grid is committed to personal development, supporting you through structured training and on‑job experience, and working with your line manager to create a Personal Development Plan tailored to your needs.

About National Grid

National Grid does not generate or sell energy – we join the dots to deliver power 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. Our values and principles (diversity, equity, inclusion) are at the core of who we are and what we do. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and provide flexible, tailored support. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, innovation, and business needs, ensuring a respectful and inclusive workplace.