Apprentice jobs in United Kingdom

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.

Our vision is to be at the heart of a clean, fair and affordable future. In fleet our 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.

NGED own and operate one of the largest in-house maintained fleets in the UK, which includes industry leading volumes of EV adoption and ownership. Our Transport team consists of over 100 colleagues, this includes a network of 33 Transport Workshops across our regions and a dedicated back‑office fleet administration department.

Our Vehicle Mechanic Apprenticeship Programme takes approximately 3.5 years to complete. During this time, you'll earn while you learn, developing the knowledge, skills, and behaviours needed to become a qualified Vehicle Mechanic and your training will include:

• On‑the‑job experience at one of our Fleet workshops, working alongside experienced and qualified Mechanics.
• Automotive Technical college attendance, which includes either weekly college day release or block release study periods throughout the year. Also, in‑house training and development at one of NGED's internal training centres.
• Achievement of a Level 3 Qualification in Light Vehicle Mechanics.

A vehicle Mechanic uses their mechanical skills and knowledge to ensure that our fleet is operational 24/7 - 365, thus enabling our teams to deliver a service to the communities and customers we serve. That means taking responsibility for safety, ensuring legal compliance and delivering it all cost‑effectively.

As part of your apprenticeship, you'll gain hands‑on experience across a wide range of tasks which will include the repair and maintenance of our diverse fleet of vehicles, plant, and ancillary equipment.

• Electric and Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) vehicles
• Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs)
• Cranes, Loaders, Generators, and Trailers
• Preparing and presenting vehicles for annual testing to ensure roadworthiness and compliance.
• Road testing, fault diagnosis, and repairs using the latest diagnostic tools and technologies.
• Attending breakdowns, including the recovery of broken down or accident‑damaged vehicles.
• Fabrication and modification of vehicles, including welding and other mechanical techniques.

• 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.
• 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.
• Due to the nature of this role, applicants for this position must be at least 18 years of age by the start date of the programme (1st September 2026).

Our minimum entry criteria require the following qualifications (held or predicted):

• 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.

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.

Start date September 2026. Please note that we are unable to accommodate any annual leave during these first 12 weeks of training.

Please only submit one application. If you appear to be a good match for more than one location, we will consider your suitability during the process. Multiple applications will not be considered.

Joining the UK's leading electricity distribution business means plenty of career opportunities and well‑deserved recognition. We reward hard work and encourage ambition, which is why we offer a competitive starting salary of £18,514. You will then see your salary increase as you become more experienced, following the timeline below:

• Year 2 - £24,938
• Year 2½ (Development role) - £32,473
• Year 3 - £37,770
• Completion - £43,491

In addition to this, you will also receive the following benefits:

• 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
• Employee Assistance Programme is there to take care of you and includes musculoskeletal and physiotherapy services if you need them
• Protective clothing and safety equipment supplied

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.

We reserve the right to close the vacancy early should sufficient numbers of suitable applications be received, so it would be best to apply as soon as you can.

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.

Applicants for our Apprenticeship programmes should be aware that we are unable to provide sponsorship if you require a visa for our apprenticeship programmes.

Please be aware that it’s your responsibility to explore avenues of working in the UK, as we’re not able to provide advice on this.

For information about visas please visit https://www.gov.uk/browse/visas-immigration/work-visas.