Summary
At National Grid, we see engineering as more than just a job - it's a legacy, a way to shape a brighter energy future and keep the lights on. Would you like to be part of it? How about working for a company that powers every single person in England and Wales? A company that invests billions in Net Zero and creating a sustainable energy future?
Annual wage
£29,000 a year
You’ll get 26 days annual leave plus statutory holidays We have a double-matched pension contribution scheme There is the option to buy discounted National Grid shares We will pay for one professional membership subscription
Training course
Electrical power protection and plant commissioning engineer (level 4)
Hours
Monday to Friday, 9.00am to 5.00pm.
37 hours 30 minutes a week
Possible start date
Monday 1 September
Duration
3 years
Positions available
1
Work
As an apprentice, you’ll work at a company and get hands-on experience. You’ll gain new skills and work alongside experienced staff.
What you’ll do at work
Our three-year Higher Apprenticeship Substations programme will train you to become an engineer in our substations. Here, we transform high-voltage electricity into low-voltage electricity, making it usable for homes and businesses.
During your training, you'll learn about
* Testing equipment
* Safety protocols
* System protection and control
* Substation refurbishment, maintenance, technical support, problem diagnosis, and fault fixing.
This job will have a significant impact on the transmission of electricity in England and Wales for the next 40 or 50 years. You'll be involved in maintenance work, asset replacement and refurbishment, troubleshooting mechanical and electrical issues, and connecting new customers. You'll also play a crucial role in integrating renewable energy sources like wind and solar farms into the transmission network.
As you progress, you may even commission new equipment and take on responsibilities for the safety of your co-workers. If this sounds like the kind of opportunity you'd like to be part of, we're very interested in talking to you!
Where you’ll work
Rosedene
Old Lackenby
Middlesbrough
TS6 8DN
Training
An apprenticeship includes regular training with a college or other training organisation. At least 20% of your working hours will be spent training or studying.
College or training organisation
NATIONAL GRID PLC
Your training course
Electrical power protection and plant commissioning engineer (level 4)
Equal to higher national certificate (HNC)
Course contents
* Apply sound engineering and analytical processes to both normal and abnormal conditions on high voltage power generation, transmission & distribution plant & equipment
* Apply safe working practices in line with company processes and legislative requirements
* Use of a wide range of test equipment to confirm the suitability of the high voltage plant for conformity and operational service
* Accurately read and interpret a wide range of engineering diagrams and drawings
* Prepare and check technical reports
* Effectively communicate with others to confirm that the tests meet the required standards/specifications
* O1: Undertake testing, commissioning and maintenance activities on electrical power systems and equipment. This could include transformers, switchgear, conductors, battery systems and ancillary equipment
* O2: Undertake protection, testing, commissioning and maintenance activities involving functionality testing and the injection of currents and voltages into high voltage equipment and their associated protection and control systems to simulate the range of fault conditions and scenarios that can occur on the electrical system
* O2: Use appropriate test equipment to verify protection and control settings and ensure correct installation and operation of modern microprocessor and numerical based protection as well as older electromechanical relays
* O2:Ensure that protection systems interface correctly with the associated high voltage equipment and, where necessary, coordinates effectively with the wider high voltage system
Your training plan
* Initially you will be at our National Training Centre in Eakring, Nottinghamshire for your Induction period which is around six weeks, then periodically for technical training.
* In the first year, you will spend 70% of your time at the Eakring Training Centre with the remaining 30% on site (gathering site-based experience).
* Year two will be 50/50 at Eakring and on site and in the third year 70% on site and 30% at Eakring training centre.
Requirements
Essential qualifications
GCSE or equivalent in:
* 5 GCSES (or equivalent) incl. Maths and English (grade 4 and above)
A Level in:
* 2 A-Levels incl either Maths or Physics (grade C or above)
T Level in:
* Level 3 engineering qualification (grade Merit or Distinction)
BTEC in:
* Level 3 engineering qualification (grade Merit or Distinction)
Let the company know about other relevant qualifications and industry experience you have. They can adjust the apprenticeship to reflect what you already know.
Skills
* Communication skills
* Attention to detail
* Organisation skills
* Problem solving skills
* Analytical skills
* Logical
* Initiative
* Physical fitness
* Reliable
* Adaptable
* Responsible
* Safety
Other requirements
You must be able to live away from home; primarily at our Eakring academy in Nottinghamshire. Food and accommodation are provided as standard.