Electrical Technician Advanced Apprentice, HVDC Interconnector, Ashford Sellindge (Kent)

As an Advanced Apprentice HVDC Technician, you'll play a hands-on role in maintaining and operating some of the UK's most critical energy infrastructure. Working on our interconnectors, you'll help ensure the reliable transfer of electricity between Britain and neighbouring countries, supporting energy security and network resilience.

This is an exciting opportunity to earn while you learn, gaining a recognised engineering qualification while developing practical skills alongside experienced technicians at specialist HVDC sites.

HVDC technology is central to the UK's transition to a cleaner energy future, enabling the efficient transmission of power over long distances and supporting the integration of renewable energy sources across Europe.

As part of our Operations & Maintenance team, you'll gain experience carrying out maintenance activities, supporting fault investigations, working with specialist contractors and suppliers, and helping to keep our interconnector assets operating safely, reliably and efficiently.

What You'll Do

Our interconnector sites operate a range of complex equipment, including high and low voltage electrical systems, pressure systems and other controlled substances. Safety is at the heart of everything we do, and you'll receive comprehensive training to work safely in operational environments.

The role will involve:

• Carrying out maintenance activities, inspections, testing, fault finding, repairs and working with electrical, mechanical, control and protection systems.
• Working outdoors in all weather conditions.
• Wearing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
• Working at height.
• Occasionally working in confined spaces.
• Following strict health, safety and environmental procedures.

Note: The apprenticeship and subsequent role will require extensive travel across the UK, including frequent stays away from home of varying durations.

What You'll Need to Apply

• 5 GCSEs (Grade 4/C or above), including English, Maths and Science.
• A full UK driving licence at least three months before your start date.
• Access to your own transport.
• To live within one hour of your assigned site.

National Security Vetting

As you progress within your apprenticeship, you will eventually require National Security Vetting at Security Check (SC) level 5. We encourage applications from candidates who meet the essential qualification requirements and are prepared to undergo and maintain the necessary security clearance throughout their employment.

Location

This role is primarily based at our Sellindge Interconnector site in Ashford, Kent. You will also be required to travel to other locations, including other interconnector sites, training venues such as our National Grid Training Centre in Eakring, and our head office in Warwick.

Note: This role involves frequent travel and multiple overnight stays away from home.

What You'll Get In Return

• Starting salary of £25,946 for this apprenticeship, with annual salary increases throughout the programme.
• Upon successful completion of your four-year apprenticeship you will achieve a nationally recognised accredited qualification, Level 3 Engineering Maintenance Technician.
• Hands-on experience maintaining critical energy infrastructure.
• Training from experienced HVDC technicians and industry specialists.
• Opportunities to work with cutting-edge technology supporting the UK's Net Zero ambitions.
• Gain practical experience through a blend of classroom learning, technical training and on-site placements.
• A clear pathway and ongoing support throughout your apprenticeship and as you transition into a qualified HVDC Technician role.
• A permanent position upon successful completion of your apprenticeship.
• 26 days' annual leave, plus statutory holidays.
• A competitive pension scheme.
• Flexible benefits including cycle to work and holiday buy/sell schemes.
• The opportunity to participate in our Sharesave and Share Incentive Plans.

Career Progression

Successful apprentices will gain nationally recognised engineering qualification and the skills needed to progress into a qualified HVDC Technician role, with future opportunities to develop into senior technical, operational or specialist engineering positions.

About the Apprenticeship Programme

As part of this apprenticeship, you will study for a Level 3 Engineering Maintenance Technician (Dual Discipline) qualification, developing the knowledge and practical skills needed to maintain, inspect and repair the equipment that keeps National Grid's energy network operating safely and reliably.

Throughout the programme, you will study a range of topics, including:

• Mechanical and electrical engineering principles
• Planned and reactive maintenance techniques
• Fault finding, diagnosis and problem solving
• Electrical systems, equipment and control circuits
• Mechanical components, machinery and rotating plant
• Health, safety and environmental legislation
• Engineering drawings, technical documentation and schematics
• Continuous improvement and asset reliability

As a dual-discipline apprentice, you will gain experience across both mechanical and electrical engineering, building a broad understanding of how critical assets are maintained and operated within a complex engineering environment.

By the end of the programme, you'll have achieved a nationally recognised Level 3 qualification and developed the skills, knowledge and behaviours needed to progress into a maintenance engineering career with National Grid.

More Information

• We recruit on a rolling basis. We may close our vacancies early once we have enough applications. We therefore encourage you to apply as early as possible.
• Assessment centres will be held from January 2027 – April 2027.
• Applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK without requiring sponsorship now or in the future.