
Overhead Lines Advanced Apprentice, National Grid Electricity Distribution (Llanfi/Withybush)
National GridKey Takeaways
- Complete a 3-year Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship in Electrical Power Engineering.
- Earn while you learn, with a starting salary of £19,366, rising to £43,491 upon completion.
- Gain hands-on experience constructing, maintaining, and repairing overhead power lines.
- Requires GCSEs in English, Maths, Science, and two other subjects (or equivalent qualifications).
- Training involves periods at training centres and on-the-job learning, with some overnight stays required.
About the Role
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.
- Resilience and willingness to learn, 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, a recognised Level 3 qualification in Electrical Engineering plus GCSE Grade C/4 or above in Maths and English is accepted. Electrical Installation qualifications are not accepted as an equivalent.
Evidence of your qualification certificates will be required prior to appointment.
A basic DBS check is required.
Start Date & Location
- Start Date: September 2027.
- Location: You must live within a 30-minute journey of the depot you are applying for.
- Training: You will regularly need to stay away from home for the first 12 weeks of training at Taunton Training Centre, Eakring Training Centre, and Taunton & Bridgewater College. Accommodation, travel, 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 it will be far less frequent.
What You'll Get In Return
- Salary: Starting salary of £19,366, with annual increases throughout the programme: Year 2 - £24,938, Year 2.5 - £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 pension scheme (Double matched up to 12%).
- Other Benefits: Protective clothing and safety equipment supplied, flexible benefits (cycle to work, holiday buy/sell), Sharesave and Share Incentive Plans, Employee Assistance Programme (including musculoskeletal and physiotherapy services).
- Security: 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 Taunton & Bridgewater College.
- Specialist training at National Grid's Training Centre in Taunton, and some courses in Eakring.
- Practical Workplace learning and role-related project work.
About National Grid
National Grid is the UK’s critical energy infrastructure company, operating the electricity network and infrastructure that connects millions of people to the energy they use every day. National Grid Electricity Distribution (NGED) operates electricity distribution systems across the Midlands, Southwest of England and South Wales.
Application Information
- You can apply for only one opportunity across all Early Careers and Career Changer programmes.
- We recruit on a rolling basis and may close vacancies early once we have enough applications. Apply as early as possible.
- Applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK without requiring sponsorship now or in the future.