Fitter Advanced Apprentice, National Grid Electricity Distribution (Grantham)

The apprenticeship programme takes approximately three years to complete. You’ll earn while you learn and develop your knowledge, skills and behaviours to become a Power Networks Craftsperson, achieving a City & Guilds Level 3 Qualification in Electrical Power Engineering. Your training will include periods of on-the-job training and development, learning from an experienced and qualified Fitter. Following a formal assessment, you’ll become a qualified Fitter yourself.

A Power Networks Fitter has responsibility for the safe construction, maintenance and repair of the electrical power network. You’ll work on distribution systems up to 66kV (or 132kV if in a Projects team). Fitters are fitting engineers who work in and around substations, using electrical knowledge and skills to install and maintain high voltage plant and apparatus including transformers, switchgear, and cable terminations.

What You'll Do

• Participate in craft skills activities on the live LV network, on dead LV, HV and EHV circuits (live HV circuits if part of a Hot Glove team).
• Help with network operations.
• Connect generators and services.
• Organise your own projects.
• Construct distribution substations and install plant.
• Carry out routine inspection, maintenance and repairs of substations and protection equipment.
• Connect Generators.
• Install and terminate secondary wiring (small wiring).
• Record asset routes, details and positions.
• Record plant details.
• Test earthing, voltage, phasing and phase rotation.
• Carry out switching operations on the LV network.

What You'll Need to Apply

• Excellent communication skills; confidence to interact with colleagues and internal stakeholders.
• Adventurous and driven to work outdoors in all weather.
• Safety awareness and commitment to following safety instructions, using protective equipment and wearing protective clothing.
• Ability to meet deadlines.
• Resilience and willingness to learn, with a genuine passion for your career and commitment to studying.
• Curious problem-solving skills.

Minimum Entry Criteria:

• GCSE English Language 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 GCSE's A*-C/9-4 or Level 2 qualifications in any subject.

Alternatively, you can apply with:

• A recognised Level 3 qualification in Electrical Engineering plus GCSE Grade C/4 or above in Maths and English.

Please note: Electrical Installation qualifications are not accepted as an equivalent to Electrical Engineering qualifications. Evidence of your qualification certificates will be required prior to appointment.

If you are offered a position, you will be required to successfully complete a basic DBS check.

Start Date: September 2027. No annual leave is permitted during the first 12 weeks of training.

Location

Operationally, you must live within a 30-minute journey of the Grantham depot. You can only submit one application.

For the initial 12 weeks, you will regularly need to stay away from home to attend training at Tipton Training Centre, Eakring Training Centre, and Loughborough College. Accommodation, travel costs, and an allowance for food and drinks will be provided. You will still stay away from home for the rest of your training period, but less frequently.

What You'll Get In Return

• Starting Salary: £19,366, with annual increases throughout the programme:
  • Year 2: £24,938
  • Year 2.5 (Development Role): £32,473
  • Year 3: £37,770
  • Completion: £43,491
• Qualification: City & Guilds Level 3 in Electrical Power Engineering upon successful completion.
• Annual Leave: 23 days + statutory holidays (26 days upon completion of training).
• Pension: Competitive scheme (double matched up to 12%).
• Protective clothing and safety equipment supplied.
• Flexible benefits including cycle to work and holiday buy/sell schemes.
• Opportunity to participate in Sharesave and Share Incentive Plans.
• Development of well-rounded skills through practical experience.
• Employee Assistance Programme including musculoskeletal and physiotherapy services.
• A permanent position upon successful completion of your apprenticeship.

About the Apprenticeship Programme

This is a 36-month Level 3 Power Industry Jointer Advanced Apprenticeship. The programme combines technical study, National Grid training, and practical workplace experience.

Your development programme will include:

• Study at Loughborough College.
• Specialist training at National Grid's Training Centre in Tipton, and some courses in Eakring.
• Practical workplace learning and role-related project work.
• A City & Guilds Level 2 & 3 Diploma in Electrical Power Engineering.

More Information

We recruit on a rolling basis and may close vacancies early once enough applications are received. Apply as early as possible.

National Grid's Early Careers opportunities are open to all applicants who meet the eligibility criteria, including an existing and valid right to work in the UK. This will need to be evidenced and verified before you can start the programme.

In most cases, National Grid is unable to offer sponsorship for employment under the UK points-based immigration system. Applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK without requiring sponsorship now or in the future. In exceptional circumstances, National Grid may consider offering sponsorship for specialist skills not available locally.