OHL Trainee

This is a 12-month accelerated training programme designed for career changers who are comfortable working at height and enjoy working outdoors. You will be trained into a specialist technical role within the electricity transmission industry, helping to keep electricity flowing across England and Wales.

Who this scheme is for?

This opportunity is ideal if you have experience in areas such as:

• Construction or civil engineering
• Mechanical trades
• Telecoms, utilities, rail or highways
• Scaffolding, rope access, wind or tower work
• Armed forces or other safety-critical environments
• Climbing (hobbyist)

Previous overhead line experience is not required, as full training will be provided. The key requirements are practical ability, the right mindset, and comfort with working at height.

About the Scheme

The programme offers a structured pathway into an Overhead Lines career, including:

• On-the-job learning with experienced OHL teams.
• Formal training at the National Grid Academy in Eakring (Nottinghamshire).
• Completion of a Level 3 Diploma.
• Staged practical assessments and a competence portfolio.
• Training on working at height equipment such as hoists, rigging, slinging and mechanical plant.

You will be supported by dedicated trainers and mentors. Upon successful completion, you will progress into a permanent Overhead Linesperson role.

Locations

Positions are available at any of the following locations:

• West Boldon, South Tyneside
• Staythorpe, Newark On Trent
• Bushbury, Wolverhampton
• Stocking Pelham, Hertfordshire
• Fleet, Hampshire
• Iron Acton, Bristol
• Swansea
• Penwortham, Preston
• Leeds
• Pentir, North Wales
• Bramford, Ipswich
• Northfleet, Kent

What you’ll do as an Overhead Linesperson

Overhead Linespersons play a critical role in the UK’s electricity transmission system, performing hands-on work at height. Your responsibilities will include:

• Working at height on electricity transmission towers up to 50 metres (164ft).
• Inspecting, maintaining, and repairing overhead line equipment.
• Supporting fault response and system recovery.
• Contributing to major infrastructure and upgrade projects.
• Working as part of a close-knit team in outdoor, safety-critical environments.
• Travelling up to 1.5 hours from your base location, with opportunities to work nationally.

Pay and Benefits

• Salary: £34,856 per annum plus expenses for the 12-month training period.
• Upon successful completion of the training scheme, the current salary is up to £42,448 per annum.
• Company vehicle (business use only).
• Contribution Pension scheme up to a maximum of 18%.
• 26 days annual leave plus 8 bank holidays, with the option to buy/sell holidays.

What we’re looking for

• Commitment to a 12-month training period on a salary of £34,856 per annum.
• NVQ Level 2 (or equivalent) in Construction, Engineering, Telecoms, or a Mechanical discipline.
• Comfortable and/or experienced working at height.
• Practical skills.
• A full UK driving licence.
• A strong commitment to safety, quality, and teamwork.
• Willingness to travel within approximately 1.5 hours of your chosen base location, with opportunities to work nationally.
• Residency within 30 minutes travel of your chosen location.

Further Information

• Closing Date: Midnight 29 October 2026.
• Assessments and Interviews: Week commencing 16 November 2026 onwards.
• Applications are encouraged early, as the advert may close at any point.

Assessment and Next Steps

• Assessment Dates: Monday to Friday, 16 – 27 November 2026 (9:00 am – 4:00 pm).
• Assessment Location: National Grid Training Academy, Kirklington Road, Eakring, Newark, Nottinghamshire, NG22 0DA.
• Assessment Format: Face-to-face, including practical hand-skills, colour blindness, and height-confidence assessments. Allow a full day.
• Expenses: Travel expenses up to £100 will be reimbursed (keep all receipts). Accommodation will be provided if you are more than 2 hours travel from the site.
• Interviews: Online via Teams for candidates who pass the assessment.
• Decision on Assessment Outcomes: December 2026.
• Training Scheme Start Date: 25 January 2027.