2026 Substation Engineer Advanced Apprentice North East London, Asset Operations

National Grid; Greater London; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A major energy company is seeking an Advanced Apprentice in Substation Engineering for a three-year programme in North East London. Candidates will gain hands-on experience maintaining high-voltage equipment and receive a starting salary of £24,306 along with free food, accommodation, and travel. Commitment to safety and educational qualifications are essential. The position also includes access to benefits and personal development programs.

Benefits

Free food

Accommodation

Travel

26 days annual leave plus statutory holidays

£250 performance bonus

Double-matched pension contribution scheme

One professional membership subscription

Access to discount schemes

Qualifications

• Must possess a valid UK driving license by the end of the first year.
• Willing to live away from home during training periods.

Responsibilities

• Perform maintenance, repair, and monitoring of high-voltage equipment.
• Travel within the North East London region for on-site training.
• Adhere to strict safety guidelines.

Skills

Maintenance of high-voltage equipment

Adherence to safety guidelines

Technical problem-solving

Education

Five GCSEs (including Maths and English) at grade 4/5

Job description

Substation Engineer Advanced Apprentice – 2026 (North East London, Asset Operations)

Be among the first 25 applicants and work at the heart of National Grid, the company that makes electricity happen for every person in England and Wales. National Grid is investing billions in Net Zero and a brighter energy future.

About The Role

You will work towards a Level 3 EAL Substation Diploma in Engineering Technologies. Over the three‑year Advanced Apprenticeship Substations programme you will train to become a technician in one of our 347 substations across England and Wales, learning to maintain high‑voltage equipment and ensuring the safe, reliable supply of electricity.

Key responsibilities include:

• Perform maintenance, repair and monitoring of high‑voltage substation equipment such as circuit breakers, transformers, disconnectors, compressors and auxiliary systems.
• Carry out work on power transformers, main connections, terminals, joints, air systems, batteries and environmental battery charger systems.
• Adhere to strict safety guidelines, demonstrating safety behaviours, following process and rules, and speaking up when safety concerns arise.
• Travel within the North East London region and remain based at the Eakring Training Centre in Nottinghamshire for on‑site training (MP4 schedule: Year 1 – 75%, Year 2 – 50%, Year 3 – 25%).

Qualifications

• Five GCSEs (including Maths and English) at grade 4/5 or equivalent.
• Valid UK driving licence by the end of the first year.
• Willingness and ability to live away from home during training periods.

What You’ll Get

• A starting salary of £24,306, paid throughout the apprenticeship.
• Free food, accommodation and travel.
• 26 days annual leave plus statutory holidays.
• £250 performance bonus (subject to achievement).
• Double‑matched pension contribution scheme.
• One professional membership subscription.
• Access to the My Discounts scheme for savings on shop, holidays, cinema and retailers.

Benefits & Development

National Grid supports personal development through structured training and on‑the‑job experience. You will work closely with your line manager to build a Personal Development Plan tailored to your needs and benefit from a wide range of business and technical skills development.

About National Grid

National Grid is at the heart of the UK energy future, joining the dots to bring energy from A to B. We do not generate or sell energy but maintain the network that powers homes, hospitals and businesses. We are a diverse, inclusive organisation of 30,000 colleagues, committed to diversity, equity and inclusion. Applications are encouraged from all backgrounds and we are happy to discuss any adjustments required.

Further Information

Apprentice vacancies are open until we receive enough applications. Assessment centres will be held between January and April 2026. National Grid’s apprenticeship programme is open to all applicants who have a valid right to work in the UK; we do not sponsor work visas.

Application Details

Apply early to secure your place. You can only apply for one apprenticeship opportunity during this recruitment cycle. For information on visas, visit UK government visa guide.