Trainee Design Engineer Higher Apprentice

National Grid; Tipton Green; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A major electricity distributor in the UK is seeking apprentices to assist in designing substations operating at high voltages. The program includes on-the-job training, vocational courses, and significant travel across service areas. Candidates must have strong communication, organization, and problem-solving skills, and meet specific educational requirements. This role offers competitive annual leave and a solid pension scheme.

Benefits

26 days annual leave + statutory holidays

Competitive pension scheme (double matched up to 12%)

Employee Assistance Programme

Protective clothing and safety equipment supplied

Responsibilities

• Assist in designing substations operating at voltages up to 132,000 volts.
• Develop layouts and configurations for physical substation components.
• Create detailed project‑specific designs, drawings, and specifications.
• Prepare schedules and bills of materials for equipment and installations.
• Ensure compliance with operational standards and safety regulations.

Skills

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Organisation skills

Customer care skills

Problem-solving skills

Number skills

Analytical skills

Logical thinking

Team working

Initiative

Adventurous

Safety awareness

Resilience

Education

GCSE in English Language (grade 4 and above)

GCSE in Maths (grade 4 and above)

2 A-Levels including either Maths, Physics, or Engineering (grade A-C)

BTEC in Engineering or Electrical (grade Merit or Distinction)

English or Maths (grade Pass)

Job description

Responsibilities

• Assist in designing substations operating at voltages up to 132,000 volts
• Develop layouts and configurations for physical substation components (e.g., transformers, switchgear, busbars)
• Create detailed project‑specific designs, drawings, and specifications
• Prepare schedules and bills of materials for equipment and installations
• Ensure compliance with operational standards and safety regulations
• Work closely with senior engineers and project teams to ensure designs meet client and regulatory requirements

You will also be required to undertake a Mathematics Diagnostic Test at the start of the higher‑level qualification. The test exists to provide a profile of your mathematical strengths and weaknesses and is not used to produce a mark for assessment.

Training and Qualification

The training programme provides on‑the‑job training and formal courses held in one of our Training Centre’s at either Taunton or Tipton, over a period of approximately two years (depending on entry‑level qualifications). Successful candidates will also be expected to study for and achieve a higher‑level qualification. The majority of the on‑the‑job training will take place within local teams, but you may be required to undertake placements at other locations across the National Grid service area, so you need to be flexible and able to travel.

You will progress towards the role of an engineer within Engineering Design, and the apprenticeship programme takes around five years to complete. You'll spend your first 10‑12 weeks being inducted onto the programme at one of our Training Centres. Your training will include vocational and academic courses along with placements across our service areas. During these placements you will undertake managed office or field‑based training with a team where you can put your new skills into practice. As you will be studying for a higher‑level qualification, you will be required to undertake placements at your training provider for up to two weeks at a time during the first two years. Accommodation and travel costs will be provided.

Educational Requirements

• GCSE in English Language (grade 4 and above)
• GCSE in Maths (grade 4 and above)
• A‑Levels: 2 A‑Levels including either Maths, Physics, or Engineering (grade A‑C)
• BTEC in Engineering or Electrical (grade Merit or Distinction)
• Other: English or Maths (grade Pass)

Skills and Competencies

• Communication skills
• Attention to detail
• Organisation skills
• Customer care skills
• Problem‑solving skills
• Number skills
• Analytical skills
• Logical thinking
• Team working
• Initiative
• Adventurous
• Safety awareness
• Resilience

About National Grid Electricity Distribution

We're National Grid Electricity Distribution (NGED), 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. Our people in Network Services work across a number of teams to keep the lights on for our customers. They might be helping a customer who has lost supply or supporting a developer building a multi‑million pound project. They maintain a 24/7 service from faults and maintenance, asset replacement to new connections, working outdoors with underground cables, overhead lines and substations that operate between 230 and 132,000 volts, their work is critical to everything we do.

Benefits

• 26 days annual leave + statutory holidays
• Competitive pension scheme (double matched up to 12%) and Sharesave options
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Protective clothing and safety equipment supplied