Apprentice Assistant Planner

National Grid; Maidstone; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 24,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading energy provider is offering an exciting opportunity for an Apprentice Assistant Planner based in Maidstone, UK. In this role, you will support major projects, assist with planning and scheduling, and contribute to successful project delivery. The ideal candidate will have achieved five GCSEs, including English and Maths, and be a self-starter with strong analytical skills. This apprenticeship offers valuable experience, a recognized qualification, and multiple benefits, including 25 days of annual leave and a pension scheme.

Benefits

25 days annual leave plus statutory holidays

Pension scheme and Sharesave options

Opportunity to enroll in Sharesave/share incentive plans

Qualifications

• Minimum age of 18 years by start date of the program.
• Full valid UK driving license 3 months before starting.
• Commitment to attend training across the UK.

Responsibilities

• Support planning and scheduling of key activities on major projects.
• Assist with the development and maintenance of project plans.
• Monitor contractor programmes in line with requirements.

Skills

Analytical skills

Organizational skills

Attention to detail

Education

Five GCSEs (grades 9 to 4 including English and Maths)

Tools

Primavera P6

Job description

Accelerating a Clean Energy Future - Advanced Apprentice Assistant Planner Opportunity

At National Grid Ventures (NGV) Interconnectors, our vision is to accelerate a clean, secure, and affordable energy future through world‑class interconnection and offshore assets. We're offering an exciting opportunity for an Apprentice Assistant Planner to join our Project Controls Team within the Construction Directorate. During your apprenticeship, you'll support the planning and scheduling of key activities on major projects, including the Future of IFA and our pioneering Offshore Hybrid Asset developments. In this role, you'll play a vital part in building and maintaining project schedules that keep everything on track. Your work will help ensure timelines are realistic, achievable, and aligned with successful delivery outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop valuable planning and project control skills.
• Build a strong foundation for a career in construction planning and the energy industry.
• Assist with the development and maintenance of construction project plans, acting as a point of contact for programme‑related queries.
• Support with reviewing and monitoring contractor programmes in line with contractual requirements.
• Understanding of project planning tools and techniques, such as Primavera P6.
• Attend planning and scheduling meetings with stakeholders, providing support and capturing key actions and updates.
• Work collaboratively with internal teams to gather progress updates and help prepare reports for the Project Manager and senior leadership.
• Support the preparation and delivery of project performance data, schedules, and reports in a clear and timely manner.
• Help identify and communicate any issues or risks within the programme to the leadership team, offering planning insights where appropriate.

Job Requirements

• At least five GCSEs with grades 9 to 4 (A to C), including English language and Maths or equivalent.
• Minimum age of 18 years by the start date of the programme (1 September 2026).
• Full valid UK driving licence 3 months before starting.
• Full‑time, on‑site presence at Sellindge Interconnector site in Ashford, Kent, with a minimum of two days per week.
• Flexible to travel when required, including frequent overnight stays.
• Occasional travel to other interconnector sites and training venues, plus time spent at National Grid’s head office in Warwick.
• Committed to attend training across the UK, including at National Grid’s training centre in Eakring.
• Ability to work to challenging deadlines, strong analytical skills and decision‑making.
• Self‑starter with excellent organisational skills and attention to detail.

Job Location & Travel

The role is primarily based at our Sellindge Interconnector site in Ashford, Kent, with a minimum on‑site presence of two days per week. You will also be required to travel to other locations, including other interconnector sites, training venues, and our head office in Warwick. The role involves frequent travel and multiple overnight stays away from home, particularly during training periods and project delivery phases.

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 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.

All applications are welcome from candidates who meet these requirements, regardless of race, nationality, or ethnic origin. The 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.

We recruit on a rolling basis and reserve the right to close our vacancies once we have enough applications. We encourage you to apply as early as possible to ensure you obtain the place you want. Assessment centres will be held between January and April 2026.

Benefits

• Experience working with P6 planning software.
• Upon successful completion of your apprenticeship you will achieve a nationally recognised accredited qualification, Level 3 Project Controls Technician.
• 25 days annual leave plus statutory holidays.
• Pension scheme and Sharesave options.
• Flexible benefits including cycle‑to‑work, buy/sell holiday, and other options.
• Opportunity to enroll in our Sharesave/share incentive plans.
• You’ll develop well‑rounded skills through practical experience.
• A permanent position upon successful completion of your apprenticeship.