2026 Control Engineer Higher Apprentice, National Grid Electricity Distribution, Cardiff

National Grid; Cardiff; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading energy provider in Cardiff seeks a Control Engineer Higher Apprentice for a 2.5 year training program starting September 2026. This position involves controlling operations of the high voltage distribution network, participating in practical training and placements across various specialties, with a starting salary of £28,151 and potential increases over time. Candidates must have relevant educational qualifications and reside within approx. 45 minutes of Cardiff.

Benefits

Starting salary of £28,151

Annual leave rising to 26 days

Competitive pension scheme

Fully funded qualification

Qualifications

• Hold a GCSE in English and Maths at Grade A*-C/9-4.
• Minimum entry criteria: 2 A-Levels or Level 3 Engineering qualification.
• Basic DBS check required.

Responsibilities

• Control the operation of high voltage distribution network.
• Carry out high voltage operations under Distribution Safety Rules.
• Undertake placements in specialist areas such as Protection and Operational Switch.

Skills

Maths

Engineering

Communication

Education

GCSE in English and Maths (Grade A*-C/9-4)

2 A-Levels at grade A*-C

Level 3 or above qualification in Engineering

Job description

Overview

2026 Control Engineer Higher Apprentice, National Grid Electricity Distribution, Cardiff

2½ year training programme commencing September 2026, with practical training, placements, and academic study towards a higher-level qualification. Upon completion and authorisation to switch at 11kV, successful candidates will be appointed to Grade 7, towards the role of a Shift Control Engineer. This role will involve shift work, including some weekends and bank holidays, as our Control Centres operate 24/7/365.

About Us

The teams in Control are focused on ensuring the network is secure, contingencies are in place and lost supplies are restored as safely and quickly as possible, minimising customer minutes lost and customer interruptions. Based within our two Operational Centres, our Control Centres are the heartbeat of our operations, monitoring the system in real time, minimising risk of danger and managing security and faults. Control Centre teams liaise with National Grid Electricity Transmission and the Government to manage national network demand and monitor the potential for incidents or emergencies.

What You’ll Do (Responsibilities)

As a Control Engineer Higher Apprentice, you will control the operation of the Company's high voltage distribution network up to 132kV and ensure all high voltage operations are carried out within the Distribution Safety Rules and other Company policy. You will be expected to contribute to delivering on safety, network reliability, customer service and efficiency, while protecting the environment. You will undertake placements in specialist areas including: Protection, Operational Switching, Transformer Maintenance, Design Team, Network Analysis, DSO Control Systems, Operational Support, Control Room, and National Grid Telecoms, with flexibility for travel to other NGED locations. On-the-job training will occur within local teams and may include placements at other NGED locations or at one of our Contact Centres or Dispatch Units. You will report to the Control Team Manager, document progression, and participate in regular meetings with your manager. You will be assigned a mentor to support your progression toward successful completion.

Transportation will be via public transport or the Apprentice’s own vehicle, reimbursed as per expense guidance. Pool cars are only authorised in exceptional circumstances as determined by the Head of Control Centres.

What You’ll Need (Qualifications & Requirements)

In addition to the below qualifications, you must hold a GCSE in English and Maths (Grade A*-C/9-4).

Minimum entry criteria (held or predicted):

• 2 A-Levels at grade A*-C, one of which must be Maths, Engineering, Electronics, or Physics
• OR a level 3 or above qualification in an Engineering-based subject which contains Electrical or Electronic modules

If qualifications are predicated, you must receive confirmed results before the scheme starts. A basic DBS check will be required showing any unspent convictions or conditional cautions. We may request evidence of your qualifications (uploaded as a PDF) with your application.

Start date is September 2026. There is no annual leave allowed during the first 12 weeks of training; annual leave during the scheme must be coordinated with the training programme.

National Security Vetting may be required, including BS7858 and SC checks within the first year of appointment. You will normally need to have been resident in the UK for at least 5 years to meet SC requirements, with some exceptions described in the notifications.

What You’ll Get (Benefits)

Starting salary of £28,151 with increases over time as you gain experience:

• Year 2 – £37,770
• Year 3 – £47,197
• Completion – £61,136
• 23 days annual leave, rising to 26 upon completion of the training programme
• Competitive pension scheme (double matched up to 12%) and Sharesave options
• Earn while you learn and receive a fully funded qualification
• Develop well-rounded skills through mentorship and exposure to experienced professionals

Our Values and Inclusion

Diversity, equity, and inclusion are central to National Grid. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and will discuss any adjustments you require. We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if sufficient applications are received. We do not sponsor visas for apprenticeship programmes; candidates are responsible for exploring UK work rights. For visa information, visit gov.uk.

Operationally you must live within approximately 45 minutes of the Cardiff depot (Lamby Way, CF3 2EQ).

Further information and queries: [e-mail]

Note: This description reflects the main responsibilities and qualifications; it does not include every task that may be required.