Engineering Degree Apprentice - Substation Design

GE Vernova Inc; Stafford; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking company as a Level 6 Substation Design Engineer Apprentice, embarking on a 4-year journey that combines academic learning with hands-on experience. This unique apprenticeship offers you the chance to work alongside experienced engineers while earning a degree in Embedded Electronics Systems Design. You will gain invaluable skills in the high-voltage substation industry, participate in site visits, and develop a strong foundation for your engineering career. If you are eager to contribute to the green energy transition and make a meaningful impact, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• Must hold Level 2 English and Maths qualifications.
• Level 3 qualification in a STEM related subject is essential.

Responsibilities

• Rotate through engineering departments to gain practical experience.
• Use CAD software to produce 2D and 3D designs.
• Participate in site visits for hands-on experience.

Skills

CAD Software

STEM Knowledge

Team Collaboration

Project Management

Education

Level 2 English and Maths

Level 3 STEM Qualification

Tools

Engineering Software

Job description

Job Description Summary

Become part of a winning team and help to deliver the Green Energy transition.

GE Vernova are offering five, fixed-term positions, for Level 6 Substation Design Engineer Apprenticeships, starting in September 2025.

This is a 4 year program with GE Vernova including a 3-year program with an additional 3-month End Point Assessment (EPA) at the University of Staffordshire.

As part of the apprenticeship, you will be enrolled in the Level 6 Embedded Electronics Systems Design and Development Engineer Degree Apprenticeship at University of Staffordshire, based in Stoke-on-Trent.

Your university learning will include one block week of face-to-face teaching per semester (approximately four days) at the Stoke-on-Trent campus, along with one day of online sessions per week. After each online session, you’ll be given assignments and tasks to complete during your working hours, supporting the required minimum of six hours per week of off-the-job training.
Throughout the apprenticeship, you will be based at GE Vernova’s offices in Stafford and Redhill. You’ll rotate through various engineering departments to gain both practical experience and theoretical knowledge. In addition, you will spend three months on a UK site to get hands-on experience in construction and commissioning activities.

Job Description

GE Vernova – Student Engineering Apprentice - Substation Design
Start Date: September 2025

Duration: 4 years with GE Vernova including 3 years + 3 months (End Point Assessment) with University of Staffordshire

Join GE Vernova as a fixed-term member through our Substation Design Student Engineer Apprenticeship, based at our Stafford office, UK. This structured programme offers a blend of academic study and hands-on experience, equipping you with the skills needed for a successful engineering career in the high-voltage substation industry.

As part of the apprenticeship, you will be enrolled on the Level 6 Embedded Electronics Systems Design and Development Engineer Degree Apprenticeship at Staffordshire University in Stoke-on-Trent.

This includes:

• One week of face-to-face teaching per semester at the university
• One online learning day per week

Key Features and Learning Opportunities:

• Spend four days per week at GE Vernova’s Stafford offices, rotating through both engineering and non-engineering departments to gain a broad understanding of high-voltage substations.
• Gain hands-on experience using CAD software to produce 2D and 3D designs.
• Be mentored by experienced high-voltage substation engineers.
• Visit equipment manufacturing facilities to learn how substation components are designed and built.
• Take part in site visits to understand substation construction and commissioning processes.
• Develop skills in managing subcontractors and working in cross-functional teams.

This is a fantastic opportunity to kick-start your engineering career with a world leader in energy technology, while earning a degree and gaining valuable industry experience.

Education / Professional Experience:

• Must hold level 2 English and maths (GCSE, Functional skills or equivalent) –certificates must be provided.
• Level 3 qualification in a STEM related subject (ideally 112 UCAS points but may be lower for suitable candidates with prior experience, skills to offset criteria).
• Must have lived in the UK for the past 3 years consecutively.
• Must have acceptable VISA/BRP that meets the ESFA funding rule requirements.
• Must not be on another government funded programme or apprenticeship.

Language:

• Proficiency in English is essential.

About Us:

Powering the Future with GE Vernova

GE Vernova is a global leader in energy solutions, delivering innovative equipment, systems, and services that ensure power is transferred reliably and efficiently—from generation all the way to end users. Through advanced grid technologies, we are accelerating the global transition to cleaner, more reliable energy—and we want you to be part of that journey.

If you're ready to help shape a more sustainable future and make a real difference, we invite you to join us.

With over 10,000 employees across approximately 70 countries, GE Vernova supports utilities and industries around the world in managing electricity more effectively. Our technologies help maximize the reliability, efficiency, and resilience of high-voltage power networks. In fact, 90% of the world’s power transmission utilities are equipped by GE Vernova.

Now, our UK-based High Voltage (HV) Substation Design team in Stafford is offering a unique opportunity to become part of this global mission. We're launching a Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship designed to develop the next generation of Substation Design Engineers.

This is a challenging and rewarding path, offering hands-on experience in large-scale, real-world projects, supported by GE Vernova’s expert teams and educational partners. You’ll gain valuable qualifications and become a key contributor to powering a cleaner energy future.

GE Vernova is a world leader in the energy solutions market with a portfolio of energy businesses across the globe. Grid Solutions provides equipment, systems, and services to bring power reliably and efficiently from the point of generation to end power consumers. We electrify the world with advanced grid technologies and accelerate the energy transition – and we want you to be part of that change and enjoy imagination at work.

If you are ready to make a difference and usher in a new era of clean, reliable energy, come join us.

About GEV Grid Solutions:

At GEV Grid Solutions we are electrifying the world with advanced grid technologies. As leaders in the energy space our goal is to accelerate the transition for a more energy efficient grid to full fill the needs of tomorrow. With a focus on growth and sustainability GE Grid Solutions plays a pivotable role in integrating Renewables onto the grid to drive to carbon neutral. In Grid Solutions we help enable the transition for a greener more reliable Grid. GE Grid Solutions has the most advanced and comprehensive product and solutions portfolio within the energy sector.

Why we come to work:

At GEV, our engineers are always up for the challenge - and we’re always driven to find the best solution. Our projects are unique and interesting, and you’ll need to bring a solution-focused, positive approach to each one to do your best. Surrounded by committed, loyal colleagues, if you can dare to bring your ingenuity and desire to make an impact, you’ll be exposed to game-changing, diverse projects that truly allow you to play your part in the energy transition.

What we offer:

A key role in a dynamic, international working environment

Additional Information

Relocation Assistance Provided: No