Trainee Design Engineer - Higher Apprentice - Various Locations
Location: Cardiff, GB, CF3 2PX, Bristol, GB, BS2 0TB, Derby, GB, DE24 8EJ, Tipton, GB, DY4 0HH
Department: Higher Apprenticeship Programme
Available Locations: Cardiff, Bristol, Tipton, Castle Donington
About Us
We’re National Grid Electricity Distribution (NGED), the owner and operator behind the electricity distribution systems for the Midlands, the Southwest of England, and South Wales. Serving communities of more than 8 million people, our expert teams deliver heat, light, and power for homes and businesses, working outdoors with underground cables, overhead lines, and substations that operate between 230 and 132,000 volts.
Net-zero targets are transforming the way we work and increasing the scope of the positive impact we can make. Right now, we’re looking for apprentices to join us.
About the Role
As a Design Engineer (office based), you will specialise in the design of substations energised at up to 132,000 volts, preparing detailed project-specific designs, drawings, specifications, and schedules. These designs relate to both the physical attributes of substations and also the control systems therein.
The training programme provides on-the-job training and formal courses held in one of our Training Centres at either Taunton or Tipton, over a period of approximately two years (depending on entry level qualifications). Successful candidates will also be expected to study for and achieve a higher-level qualification. The majority of the on-the-job training will take place within local teams, but you may be required to undertake placements at other locations across the National Grid service area, so you need to be flexible and able to travel.
You will progress towards the role of an engineer within Engineering Design, and the apprenticeship programme takes around five years to complete. You’ll spend your first 10 - 12 weeks being inducted onto the programme at one of our Training Centres. You’ll earn while you learn and develop your knowledge, skills, and behaviours to become an Electrical Designer, achieving a higher-level qualification (if not already achieved).
What You'll Need
Excellent communication skills; you could be speaking with customers, colleagues, or internal stakeholders. Your success relies on your confidence to interact with the wider business. You’ll be resilient, willing to learn, genuinely passionate about your career, and committed to studying.
In addition to the below qualifications, you are required to hold a GCSE in English AND Maths (Grade A*-C/9-4).
Minimum Entry Criteria:
A Levels in Maths (Grade A*-C) AND a Science (Grade A*-C)
OR HNC/HND in Electrical/Electronic Engineering or Mechanical Engineering
OR Degree in Maths, Physics, Electrical/Electronic or Mechanical Engineering.
If your qualifications are predicted, you must receive your confirmed results prior to the commencement of the scheme.
You will also be required to undertake a Mathematics Diagnostic Test at the start of the higher-level qualification. The test exists to provide a profile of your mathematical strengths and weaknesses and is not used to produce a mark for assessment.
If you are offered a position, you will be required to successfully complete a basic DBS check that shows any unspent convictions or conditional cautions.
Whatever qualifications you hold, we will need to see evidence of them for you to be considered. If possible, please upload evidence of the required qualifications with your application. These can be scanned or photographed and attached as a PDF document.
What You'll Get
Joining the UK’s leading electricity distribution business means plenty of career opportunities and well-deserved recognition. We reward hard work and encourage ambition, which is why we offer a competitive starting salary of £25,642. You will then see your salary increase as you become more experienced, following the timeline below:
1. Year 2 - £34,143
2. Year 3 - £41,459
3. Year 4 (Developmental role) - £44,992
4. Apprenticeship Completion - £50,885
In addition to this, you will also receive the following benefits:
1. 26 days annual leave + statutory holidays
2. Competitive pension scheme (Double matched up to 12%) and Sharesave options
3. Earn whilst you learn and receive a fully funded qualification
4. Develop well-rounded skills, learning from experienced and qualified professionals in the industry
5. Employee Assistance Programme is there to take care of you and includes musculoskeletal and physiotherapy services if you need them
Our Values and Principles
Diversity, equity, and inclusion are at the heart of who we are and what we do. Our commitment to these values is unwavering and they are central to our mission. We encourage applications from all backgrounds, communities, and industries.
Further Information
We reserve the right to close the vacancy early should sufficient numbers of suitable applications be received, so it would be best to apply as soon as you can.
*National Grid's Apprenticeship programme in the UK is open to all applicants who meet the eligibility criteria including an existing and valid right to work in the UK. As part of the application process, this will need to be evidenced and verified before you can start the programme.
Applicants for our Apprenticeship programmes should be aware that we are unable to provide sponsorship if you require a visa for our apprenticeship programmes.
Please be aware that it’s your responsibility to explore avenues of working in the UK, as we are not able to provide advice on this.
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