Overhead Lines Advanced Apprentice, National Grid Electricity Distribution (Stoke/Hednesford)

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 and confidence to interact with the wider business.
• Adventurous and driven to work outdoors in all weather.
• Safety awareness and willingness to follow safety instructions, use protective equipment and wear protective clothing.
• Resilience and a 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. Evidence of your qualification certificates will be required prior to appointment.

• You will be required to successfully complete a basic DBS check.

Start Date & Location

• Start Date: September 2027.
• Location: You must live within a 30-minute journey of the depot you are applying for.
• Initial Training: For the first 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, 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.
• Annual Leave: 23 days + statutory holidays (26 days upon completion of training).
• Pension: Competitive scheme (Double matched up to 12%).
• Benefits: Protective clothing and safety equipment supplied, flexible benefits (cycle to work, holiday buy/sell), Sharesave and Share Incentive Plans, Employee Assistance Programme (including physiotherapy), and a permanent position upon successful completion.

About the Apprenticeship Programme

This is a 36-month Level 3 Power Industry Jointer Advanced Apprenticeship combining technical study, National Grid training, and practical workplace experience. Your development will include study at Loughborough College, specialist training at National Grid's Training Centre in Tipton, and practical workplace learning. You will gain a City & Guilds Level 2 & 3 Diploma in Electrical Power Engineering.