Architectural Design Trainee

Uswe're National Grid Electricity Distribution (nged); Leicester; On-site; GBP 44,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading energy company in the UK is seeking apprentices for a three-year training program to become Power Networks Craftspersons. Apprentices will work outdoors, gaining hands-on experience while earning a salary as they achieve a Level 2 qualification in Electrical Engineering. Responsibilities include constructing substations and maintaining electrical equipment. Candidates must have GCSEs in English, Maths, and Science, plus good communication skills and safety awareness. Starting salary is £18,514 with growth potential.

Benefits

Competitive salary increases

Pension scheme

Fully funded qualification

Protective clothing provided

Qualifications

• GCSEs in English, Maths, Science required.
• Additional Level-3 qualification in Electrical Engineering is advantageous.
• Basic DBS check required.

Responsibilities

• Construct distribution substations and install plant.
• Carry out routine inspections and maintenance of substation equipment.
• Record asset routes and test earthing.

Skills

Excellent communication skills

Problem-solving

Safety awareness

Resilience

Education

GCSE English at Grade A‑C/9‑4

GCSE Mathematics at Grade A‑C/9‑4

GCSE Science at Grade A‑C/9‑4 or BTEC Science Level 2

Job description

About Us

National Grid Electricity Distribution (NGED) is the owner and operator behind the electricity distribution systems for the Midlands, the Southwest of England and South Wales. Serving communities of more than 8 million people, our expert teams deliver heat, light and power for homes and businesses, working outdoors with underground cables, overhead lines and substations that operate between 230 and 132,000 volts. Net‑zero targets are transforming the way we work and increasing the scope of the positive impact we can make. Right now, we’re looking for apprentices to join us.

About The Role

The apprenticeship programme takes approximately three years to complete, and you’ll spend your first 12 weeks being inducted onto the programme at one of our Training Centres. You’ll earn while you learn and develop your knowledge, skills and behaviours to become a Power Networks Craftsperson, achieving a City & Guilds level 2 qualification in Electrical Engineering. Your training will include periods of on‑the‑job training and development, learning from an experienced and qualified fitter. Following a formal assessment of your knowledge, skills and behaviours, you’ll become a qualified fitter yourself. A Power Networks fitter has responsibility for the safe construction, maintenance and repair of the electrical power network. You’ll work on distribution systems up to 66kV (or 132kV if in a Projects team). Fitters are fitting engineers who work in and around substations, using electrical knowledge and skills to install and maintain high‑voltage plant and apparatus including transformers, switchgear, and cable terminations. You will represent National Grid and carry out work handed down by other areas of the business.

Responsibilities

• Construct distribution substations, install plant
• Carry out routine inspection, maintenance and repairs of substation and protection equipment
• Install and terminate secondary wiring (small wiring)
• Record asset routes, details and positions
• Record plant details
• Test earthing, voltage, phasing and phase rotation
• Write outage requests and switching programmes for simple outages

What You'll Need

Excellent communication skills; one moment, you could be speaking with customers, and the next, colleagues or internal stakeholders. Your success relies on your confidence to interact with the wider business. As you’ll be working outdoors, we need you to be adventurous and driven to work in all weather. Safety awareness is a must – you’ll follow safety instructions, use protective equipment and wear protective clothing, as is meeting deadlines. You’ll be resilient and willing to learn, genuinely passionate about your career and committed to studying. Curious problem solvers thrive here.

Eligibility & Requirements

• GCSE English at Grade A‑C/9‑4 or Level 2 Functional/Key Skills English
• GCSE Mathematics at Grade A‑C/9‑4 or Level 2 Functional/Key Skills Maths
• GCSE Science at Grade A‑C/9‑4 or BTEC Science Level 2 equivalent
• Two other GCSEs A‑C/9‑4 or Level 2 qualifications in any subject
• Optionally, a recognised Level ‑3 qualification in Electrical Engineering plus GCSE Grade C/4 or above in Maths and English

Note: Electrical installation qualifications are not accepted as an equivalent to Electrical Engineering qualifications and as a result you will be required to meet the minimum entry requirements detailed above. Whatever qualifications you hold, we will need to see evidence of them for you to be considered. Evidence of your qualification certificates will be required prior to appointment.

Basic DBS check is required. Start date September 2026. Annual leave is not accommodated during the first 12 weeks of training. Applicants must live within approximately 30 minutes of the depot. Only one application per individual is accepted. 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. Please note that we are unable to provide sponsorship if you require a visa for our apprenticeship programmes. It is your responsibility to explore avenues of working in the UK.

Salary & Benefits

• Starting salary: £18,514, with increases: Year 2 – £24,938; Year 2½ (Development role) – £32,473; Year 3 – £37,770; Completion – £43,491
• 23 days annual leave (26 upon completion of training) + statutory holidays
• Competitive pension scheme (double matched up to 12%) and ShareSave options
• Earn whilst you learn and receive a fully funded qualification
• Develop well‑rounded skills, learning from experienced and qualified professionals in the industry
• Assistance Programme includes musculoskeletal and physiotherapy services if needed
• Protective clothing and safety equipment supplied

We reserve the right to close the vacancy early should sufficient numbers of suitable applications be received.