About the role

Do you want to be part of a team at the forefront of designing the electricity transmission system of the future? If you are innovative and passionate about utilising new technology to deliver maximum customer benefit, then this could be the start of an exciting journey with National Grid!

During this 24-month Higher Apprenticeship programme, you’ll play a key part in meeting the needs of customers, consumers and stakeholders in the changing energy landscape. Through the application of new technologies and innovative design strategies you will enable the economic and efficient development of the transmission network to deliver maximum consumer benefit. Alongside this, you’ll ensure compliance with our licenced and engineering obligations are fulfilled to the highest standards.

As a Higher Apprentice, you can expect to be involved in any number of the below activities:

• Coordinating the overall design, development and planning of the transmission network to facilitate the low carbon transition and innovate solutions including network strategies for the holistic development of the transmission system
• Facilitate the economic and efficient growth of the transmission network in line with relevant industry standards, customer requirements and guidance documents
• Use power simulation software and network models, run analysis on transmission network upgrades and the impact these have on the performance of the overall system
• Engage with colleagues and external parties to coordinate entire system developments, including the introduction of new technologies to use on the transmission network
• Understand how the transmission network behaves over a range of network conditions
• Ensure the transmission network is planned to acceptable and safe limits in accordance with relevant industry standards.

About you

As a Power System Engineer Higher Apprentice, you’ll be working with various asset types and new technologies; so, you will need to have a passion for innovations and a desire to work with the most cutting-edge tech. At every stage of this exciting role, you'll enjoy hands on support and the chance to develop your existing engineering skills and learn brand new ones too. As soon as you join, you’ll work with colleagues at all levels across the business, as well as have opportunities to speak with high profile customers and external stakeholders so you must be a confident communicator comfortable with engaging with people at all levels.

You don’t need prior work experience; the determination and will to succeed is far more important as we will teach you everything you need to know. The role will provide you with a variety of skills including transferrable skills to support your career development within National Grid.

You’ll need to have, or be predicted to gain, a Grade 4/C or above in Maths and English Language, and will also need to have one of the following sets of qualifications:

• 2 A-Levels - 1 must be in either Maths or Physics (Grade C or above)
• BTEC National Certificate Level 3 in Electrical & Electronic Engineering or Engineering (Merit or Distinction with the Maths modules being Merit or Distinction)
• BTEC National Diploma Level 3 in Electrical & Electronic Engineering or Engineering (Merit or Distinction with the Maths modules being Merit or Distinction)
• ONC in Electrical & Electronic Engineering (Merit or Distinction with the Maths modules being Merit or Distinction)
• HNC/HND in Electrical, Electronic or Mechanical Engineering (Pass, Merit or Distinction)
• Degree in Maths, Physics, Chemistry or Engineering

You will also need to hold a valid full UK car driving licence or be willing to learn to drive and agree to secure a valid full UK car driving licence within 3 months prior joining the programme or as soon as possible after your 17th birthday.

What You'll Get

We are proud to offer a starting salary of £25,874.

You’ll work towards a level 4 qualification or a foundation degree depending on the programme. You will also have access to a number of additional benefits:

25 days annual leave plus statutory holidays

Our double-matched pension contribution scheme means your pension could be worth up to 18% of your salary

There is the option to buy discounted National Grid shares

Financial support for study relevant to your role is available

We’ll pay for one professional membership subscription

Full board accommodation whilst away at our training academy and all travel expenses paid for when you’re not at your base location

As a first step to your career in the energy industry, our Higher Apprenticeship Programmes are like no other! You’ll gain an insight into how we work at National Grid, understand what a career with us can offer, and receive some great rewards and benefits:

National Grid is committed to the personal development of our staff. Joining us, you’ll be supported as you develop a wide range of business, and technical skills through structured training and on the-job experience. You’ll work closely with your line manager to establish and navigate through a Personal Development Plan that is tailored to your needs.

About Us

National Grid is at the heart of the energy future, and our people are at the heart of National Grid. We’re 30,000 colleagues strong. In the UK, National Grid don’t generate or sell energy – we join the dots to get energy from A to B. From making a cup of tea in the morning, to keeping the lights on in hospitals, our electricity network puts power in the hands of people. Without it, the world as we know it would grind to a halt.

The world of energy is changing beyond recognition as we focus on building a cleaner, greener future. Working at National Grid, you won’t just be touching the lives of almost everyone in the UK – you’ll be shaping the way we use and consume energy for generations to come.

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 and we are happy to discuss any reasonable adjustments that you require.

Further Information

The closing date for this role is 6th March 2023, however, we encourage you to apply as early as possible to ensure you obtain the place you want in the application process.

Assessment centres will be held from March 2023.