Overhead Lines Advanced Apprentice, National Grid Electricity Distribution (Taunton/Crewkerne)

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 construct, maintain, test, repair and replace overhead lines and equipment, often working at height.

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).
• Assist 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 customers, colleagues and internal stakeholders.
• Adventurous and driven to work outdoors in all weather conditions.
• Strong safety awareness, willingness to follow safety instructions, use protective equipment and wear protective clothing.
• Resilience, a willingness to learn, 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 your qualification certificates will be required prior to appointment.

A basic DBS check is required upon offer of a position.

Start Date & Location

• Start Date: September 2027.
• Initial Training: The first 12 weeks require you 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.
• Ongoing Training: You will still stay away from home for the rest of your training period, but less frequently.
• Living Location: You must live within a 30-minute journey of the depot you are applying for.

What You'll Get In Return

• Salary: Starting salary of £19,366, with annual increases: 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 (26 upon completion of training) + statutory holidays.
• 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).
• Career Progression: 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.

• Study: Taunton & Bridgewater College, with dedicated time for coursework and assessments.
• Specialist Training: National Grid's Training Centre in Taunton, with some courses in Eakring.
• Practical Experience: Workplace learning and role-related project work.
• Qualification: City & Guilds Level 2 & 3 Diploma in Electrical Power Engineering.

Important Application Information

• You can apply for only one opportunity across all Early Careers and Career Changer programmes.
• Applications are on a rolling basis and may close early once enough applications are received. Apply as early as possible.
• You must have the legal right to work in the UK without requiring sponsorship now or in the future.