Trainee Control Engineer Higher Apprentice, National Grid Electricity Distribution, Cardiff
National Grid
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Benefits offered by this job
Job summary
National Grid offers a Higher Apprenticeship in Power Systems Engineering in Cardiff. The programme blends academic study with hands-on training within Control Centres and operational teams, preparing you for a Shift Control Engineer role.
The 3-year scheme includes practical placements across Protection, Switching, Network Analysis and Telecoms, with mentorship and ongoing development. A National Security Vetting process applies.
Qualifications
- GCSE English and Maths at A*-C/9-4 or equivalent Level 2 Functional Skills.
- 2 A-Levels at A*-C, one of which must be Maths, Engineering, Electronics or Physics.
- Alternative: Level 3+ qualification in Engineering with Electrical/Electronic modules; or HNC/HND in Electrical/Electronic/Mechanical Engineering.
Responsibilities
- Support safe operation and control of HV distribution network up to 132kV per safety rules and policies.
- Monitor real-time network performance, manage faults and incidents, minimise risk and interruptions.
- Collaborate with Control Centre teams, NG Electricity Transmission, government bodies and stakeholders on demand management and emergency response.
- Complete placements across Protection, Operational Switching, Transformer Maintenance, Network Analysis, DSO Control Systems, Operational Support, Telecoms and Control Room operations.
- Maintain records of progress, produce reports and work with mentor toward Shift Control Engineer role.
Skills
Education
Job description
As a Control Engineer Higher Apprentice, you'll play a vital role in helping keep the electricity network safe, secure and reliable. Working within one of our Control Centres, you'll support the real-time operation of the high-voltage distribution network, helping to ensure supplies are restored safely and efficiently, risks are minimised and customers receive a reliable service.
Our Control Centres are the heartbeat of network operations, monitoring system performance, managing faults, maintaining network security and responding to incidents as they arise. Working alongside experienced engineers, you'll gain a detailed understanding of network operations and learn how Control Centre teams collaborate with National Grid Electricity Transmission and government bodies to manage national electricity demand and respond to potential emergencies.
Over the course of the programme, you'll develop the technical knowledge, operational expertise and practical experience needed to progress towards the role of Shift Control Engineer, contributing to network reliability, customer service, safety, operational efficiency and environmental performance. Based in Cardiff, you'll complete a structured programme of practical training, placements and academic study while working towards a higher-level qualification.
- Support the safe operation and control of the high-voltage electricity distribution network (up to 132kV), ensuring all activities are carried out in accordance with Distribution Safety Rules and company policies.
- Monitor network performance in real time, helping to manage faults, incidents, network security and system restoration activities while minimising risk and customer interruptions.
- Work collaboratively with Control Centre teams, National Grid Electricity Transmission, government bodies and other stakeholders to support network demand management and emergency response activities.
- Complete placements across a range of specialist areas, including Protection, Operational Switching, Transformer Maintenance, Network Analysis, DSO Control Systems, Operational Support, Telecoms and Control Room operations, developing a broad understanding of network management and engineering.
- Take ownership of your professional development by maintaining records of your progress, producing reports and evidence of learning, and working closely with your manager and mentor as you progress towards becoming a Shift Control Engineer.
As part of the programme, you'll gain experience through placements and training activities across a number of National Grid locations. Please note that this role involves shift working, including weekends and bank holidays, as our Control Centres operate 24/7/365.
In addition to the below qualifications, you are required to hold a GCSE in English AND Maths (Grade A*-C/9-4) or the equivalent Level 2 Functional Skills qualification.
Our minimum entry criteria require the following qualifications (held or predicted):
- 2 A-Levels at grade A*-C, one of which must be Maths, Engineering, Electronics, or Physics
- OR a level 3 or above qualification in an Engineering based subject which contains Electrical or Electronic modules.
- OR HNC/HND in Electrical/Electronic Engineering or Mechanical Engineering.
- You are comfortable working in a high-pressure, fast-paced operational environment where priorities can change quickly and decisions have real-world impact. Strong communication skills, resilience and the ability to remain calm and focused under pressure are essential, alongside a commitment to safety and collaborative working.
- You must be able to travel to and work from a variety of National Grid depots and operational locations throughout the apprenticeship to gain the practical experience required to complete the programme.
If your qualifications are predicted, you must receive your confirmed results prior to the commencement of the scheme.
If you are offered a position, you will be required to successfully complete a basic DBS check that shows any unspent convictions or conditional cautions.
Whatever qualifications you hold, we will need to see evidence of them for you to be considered. If possible, please upload evidence of the required qualifications with your application. These can be scanned or photographed and attached as a PDF document.
Start date is September 2027. Please note that we are unable to accommodate any annual leave during these first 12 weeks of training. Annual leave whilst working within the scheme period will need to be agreed at suitable times to coincide with the training programme.
If you are offered a position, you may be required to undertake and successfully complete a BS7858 security screening check before commencing in the role, with a National Security Vetting SC check being completed within the first twelve months as a condition of appointment.
As the post you are applying for attracts a National Security Vetting clearance there are further eligibility requirements, information can be found on the gov.uk website. To meet national security vetting requirements, you will normally need to have been resident in the UK for at least 5 years for Security Clearance (SC) prior to the date of application. There are exceptions to this however and examples of these include:
- you have been serving overseas with HM Forces or in some other official capacity as a representative of HM Government
- you were studying abroad
- you were living overseas with parents
If you have any further queries relating to National Security Vetting, please email nged.recruitment@nationalgrid.co.uk
The role is based in Cardiff. Operationally we require you to live within approximately 45 minutes of the depot you are applying for.
We are proud to offer a starting salary of £45,492 for this apprenticeship, with annual salary increases throughout the programme:
As a first step into your career in the energy industry, our Higher Apprenticeship programme offers a unique opportunity to develop your skills, gain valuable experience, and build a long-term career with National Grid.
Alongside a tailored development programme to power your career at National Grid, we also offer some great rewards and benefits too:
- Upon successful completion of your three year apprenticeship you will achieve a nationally recognised accredited qualification, Higher Technical Qualification (HTQ) in Power Systems Engineering .
- 23 days annual leave during training, raising to 26 after completion of the programme + statutory holidays
- Competitive pension scheme 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
Alongside your role, you'll complete a Higher Apprenticeship in Power Systems Engineering, leading to a Higher Technical Qualification (HTQ) in Power Systems Engineering. The programme typically takes around 30 months to complete and combines academic study with practical workplace experience.
Your development programme will include:
- Study towards an HTQ in Power Systems Engineering
- Practical training within Control Centres and operational teams
- Specialist placements across Protection, Operational Switching, Network Analysis, Telecoms and other key operational areas
- Experience supporting the operation and management of the electricity distribution network
- Ongoing support from experienced engineers, your manager and a dedicated mentor
- Building a portfolio of evidence and preparing for assessments and operational authorisations
You'll apply your learning directly in the workplace while developing the technical, operational and professional skills needed for a successful career in network operations and control engineering.
National Grid is the UK’s critical energy infrastructure company, operating the electricity network and infrastructure that connects millions of people to the energy they use every day, supporting homes, businesses and communities across England and Wales.
We know the future of energy won't be shaped by what we know today. It will be shaped by what's possible tomorrow. That's why we're investing in the next generation of talent, giving apprentices, undergraduates and graduates the opportunity to learn from experts, gain hands‑on experience and contribute to work that matters from day one.
Are you ready to unlock the power of the possible?
We recruit on a rolling basis across our Early Careers Roles. We may close our vacancies early once we have enough applications. We therefore encourage you to apply as early as possible.
National Grid's Early Careers opportunities in the UK are 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.
National Grid operates in both the UK and US, with a broad portfolio of energy businesses dedicated to providing safe, reliable, and sustainable power.
From electricity and gas transmission to advancing clean energy and modernising grids, our work covers every aspect of the energy system.
Life here at National Grid is more than just our purpose or our values, it’s everything we put into everything we do. It’s our commitment to diversity and inclusion; how we help our employees learn and grow; and how we partner with and support the communities where we live and work. It’s all this, and so much more.
We leverage our collective strengths to do meaningful BIG work so that we can be at the heart of a fair and affordable energy future.
Your salary is reviewed each year against the market for your role, skills, knowledge and experience.
Annual performance plan or bonus (depending on your role) rewards your contribution to our success each year.
Generous pension plan with company contributions up to 12%.
Private medical insurance for self and family.
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