2026 Substation Engineer Advanced Apprentice Central (Derbyshire), Asset Operations

National Grid; East Midlands; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading energy provider in the United Kingdom is offering an advanced apprenticeship for a Substation Engineer in Derbyshire. This role includes extensive on-the-job training and a starting salary of £24,306, along with various benefits such as annual leave and a pension scheme. Candidates should have five GCSEs, including Maths and English, and be able to live away from home during training.

Benefits

26 days annual leave

£250 performance bonus

Double-matched pension contribution

Professional membership subscription paid

My Discounts scheme for savings

Qualifications

• Five GCSEs, including passes in Maths and English Language graded 4/C or above.
• A valid UK driving licence by the end of the first year.
• Ability to live away from home during training.

Responsibilities

• Learn to maintain power transformers and main connections.
• Repair joints and work with air systems and batteries.
• Follow safety guidelines for high-voltage maintenance.

Skills

Ability to work with high-voltage equipment

Attention to safety guidelines

Teamwork

Education

Five GCSEs including Maths and English

Job description

2026 Substation Engineer Advanced Apprentice Central (Derbyshire), Asset Operations

Join to apply for the 2026 Substation Engineer Advanced Apprentice Central (Derbyshire), Asset Operations role at National Grid. Work at the heart of National Grid.

On this apprenticeship you will be working towards a Level 3 EAL Subsidiary Diploma in Engineering Technologies. You will also be paid over £24,000 a year while you train, with free food, accommodation, and travel.

The training is carried out through a combination of courses run at our Global Technical Training Centre of Excellence and on‑site training on real transmission equipment in a live substation environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Learn to perform maintenance work on power transformers, main connections, and terminals.
• Repair different types of joints and work with systems such as air systems, batteries, and environmental battery charger systems.
• Follow strict safety guidelines to carry out the maintenance, repair, and monitoring of high‑voltage substation equipment, including circuit breakers, transformers, disconnectors, compressors, and auxiliary systems.

Requirements & Qualifications

• Five GCSEs, including passes in Maths and English Language (or equivalent) graded 4/C or above.
• A valid UK driving licence by the end of the first year.
• Ability to live away from home during training at our Eakring Training Centre in Nottinghamshire.

Training Schedule

• Year 1 – around 75% on site.
• Year 2 – around 50% on site.
• Year 3 – around 25% on site.

Location

This role is based across the Central region; you will be expected to travel around this region as part of your role. You must live within a 45 minute drive of DE15 9NG.

Benefits & Compensation

• Starting salary of £24,306.
• 26 days annual leave plus statutory holidays.
• Opportunity to earn a £250 bonus, depending on performance.
• Double‑matched pension contribution scheme.
• One professional membership subscription paid by National Grid.
• My Discounts scheme offering savings on shopping, holidays, cinema tickets, and more at retailers such as Sainsbury's, John Lewis, Currys, Argos, and Marks and Spencer.

Application Process

We recruit on a rolling basis and reserve the right to close our vacancies once we have enough applications. Assessment centres will be held between January and April 2026.

All applications are welcome from candidates who meet the eligibility criteria, including a valid right to work in the UK. Applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK without requiring sponsorship now or in the future under the UK points‑based immigration system. In exceptional circumstances National Grid may consider offering sponsorship.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Our values and principles put diversity, equity, and inclusion at the heart of what we do. National Grid encourages applications from all backgrounds, communities, and industries, and we agree to discuss any adjustments you require.

National Grid is committed to the personal development of our staff, supporting a wide range of business and technical skills through structured training and on‑job experience. You will work closely with your line manager to establish a Personal Development Plan tailored to your needs.

Additional Information

Further information: You can only apply for one Apprenticeship opportunity during this recruitment cycle. Please note that for visa information, visit https://www.gov.uk/browse/visas-immigration/work-visas.