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

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; confidence to interact with colleagues and stakeholders.
• Adventurous and driven to work outdoors in all weather.
• Safety awareness and willingness to follow safety instructions and use protective equipment.
• Resilience and a 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 to Electrical Engineering qualifications.

Evidence of qualification certificates will be required prior to appointment.

A basic DBS check showing no unspent convictions or conditional cautions is required.

Important Dates

• Start date: September 2027.
• No annual leave can be taken during the first 12 weeks of training.

Location

• You must live within a 30-minute journey of the Plymouth depot.
• For the initial 12 weeks, you will regularly need to stay away from home to attend 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

• Starting salary of £19,366, with annual increases throughout the programme.
• Upon successful completion of the three-year apprenticeship, you will achieve a City & Guilds Level 3 in Electrical Power Engineering.
• 23 days annual leave (26 upon completion of training) + statutory holidays.
• Competitive pension 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

• A 36-month Level 3 Power Industry Jointer Advanced Apprenticeship.
• Combines technical study, National Grid training, and practical workplace experience.
• Includes study at Taunton & Bridgewater College, specialist training at National Grid's Training Centre in Taunton, and courses in Eakring.
• Practical workplace learning and role-related project work.
• Leads to a City & Guilds Level 2 & 3 Diploma in Electrical Power Engineering.

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) serves communities of more than 8 million people 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 enough applications are received. Apply as early as possible.
• Applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK without requiring sponsorship now or in the future. National Grid is generally unable to offer sponsorship.