Overhead Lines Advanced Apprentice, National Grid Electricity Distribution (Derby)

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 Overhead Linesperson. Following a formal assessment, you’ll become a qualified Overhead Linesperson yourself.

Overhead Linespersons are overhead line engineers who work at height constructing, maintaining, testing, repairing and replacing overhead lines and equipment.

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 and organise your own projects.
• Construct and alter overhead lines, install pole mounted plant, run and terminate cables to plant and overhead lines.
• Carry out routine inspection, maintenance and repairs of overhead equipment.
• Record asset routes, details and positions.
• Record plant details.
• Locate and identify cables, test insulation, phasing and continuity on LV cables.
• Test earthing, voltage, phasing and phase rotation.
• Carry out switching operations on the LV network.

What You'll Need to Apply

• Excellent communication skills.
• Adventurous and driven to work in all weather.
• Safety awareness and commitment to following safety instructions, using protective equipment and wearing protective clothing.
• Resilient and willing to learn, genuinely passionate about your career and committed to studying.
• Curious problem solvers.

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.

Alternative Entry:

A recognised Level 3 qualification in Electrical Engineering plus GCSE Grade C/4 or above in Maths and English. (Electrical Installation qualifications are not accepted as an equivalent).

Additional Requirements:

• Must live within a 30-minute journey of the depot.
• Successful completion of a basic DBS check.

Start Date: September 2027. No annual leave can be accommodated during the first 12 weeks of training.

Training and Location

Your first 12 weeks will be spent at one of our Training Centres (Tipton, Eakring, or Loughborough College). Accommodation, travel, and an allowance for food and drinks will be provided. You will regularly need to stay away from home for the rest of your training period, though 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.
• 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.
• 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.

Development includes:

• 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.