2026 Substation Engineer Advanced Apprentice South East (North Kent), Asset Operations

National Grid; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading energy company in the United Kingdom is seeking a motivated individual for the Substation Engineer Advanced Apprentice role. You will receive training to become a technician responsible for maintaining high-voltage substation equipment. The apprenticeship offers a starting salary above £24,000, along with benefits such as annual leave, a performance bonus, and professional development support.

Benefits

26 days annual leave plus statutory holidays

£250 bonus depending on performance

Double-matched pension contribution scheme

One professional membership subscription paid

Access to discounts on groceries and retail partners

Personal development support

Qualifications

• Practical people with engineering mindsets are encouraged.
• Must have a driving licence by the end of the first year.

Responsibilities

• Carry out maintenance and repair of high-voltage equipment.
• Monitor substation systems and auxiliary systems.

Skills

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Proactivity

Multitasking

Education

Five GCSEs including Maths and English Language

Job description

2026 Substation Engineer Advanced Apprentice South East (North Kent), Asset Operations

Join to apply for the 2026 Substation Engineer Advanced Apprentice South East (North Kent), Asset Operations role at National Grid.

About The Role

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.

Our three‑year Advanced Apprenticeship Substations will train you to become a technician in one of our 347 substations. Our substations are instrumental in the transmission of high‑voltage electricity over England and Wales, transforming it into low‑voltage electricity for homes and businesses.

As a technician you will carry out maintenance, repair and monitoring of high‑voltage substation equipment, including circuit breakers, transformers, disconnectors, compressors and auxiliary systems. You will also perform maintenance on power transformers, main connections, terminals and systems such as air, batteries and environmental battery chargers.

You should be ready to work in a demanding environment and comply with strict safety guidelines.

Location

This role is based across the South East region. You will be expected to travel around this region as part of your role and must live within a 45‑minute drive of postcode DA11 8HX.

About You

You are driven, proactive and have an appetite for continuous improvement. You are articulate, can communicate with different stakeholders, and are a flexible multitasker who pays great attention to detail.

You do not need to be academically dazzling; practical people with engineering mindsets who are keen to apply themselves are encouraged. You must have five GCSEs, including passes in Maths and English Language (or equivalent) graded 4/C or above.

By the end of your first year you will need a driving licence that permits you to drive in the UK and be able to live away from home during training at our Eakring Training Centre in Nottinghamshire. You will stay onsite Monday‑Thursday, returning home Friday‑Sunday. The time spent at Eakring will decrease over the programme: Year 1 around 75 %; Year 2 around 50 %; Year 3 around 25 %.

What You'll Get

We are proud to offer a starting salary of £24,306.

Benefits

• 26 days annual leave plus statutory holidays
• £250 bonus, depending on performance
• Double‑matched pension contribution scheme
• One professional membership subscription paid
• Access to My Discounts scheme offering savings on groceries, holidays and retail partners
• Personal development support, structured training and a tailored Personal Development Plan

Additional Information

You may only apply for one Apprenticeship opportunity during this recruitment cycle. Recruitment is rolling and the vacancy may close once sufficient applications have been received.

Assessment centres will be held between January and April 2026.

National Grid's Apprenticeship programme is open to all applicants who meet the eligibility criteria, including a valid right to work in the UK without requiring sponsorship.

We encourage applications from all backgrounds, communities and industries and are happy to discuss adjustments you require.

Further information about visas can be found at https://www.gov.uk/browse/visas-immigration/work-visas.

Seniority level

• Internship

Employment type

• Full‑time

Job function

• Engineering and Information Technology

Industries

• Utilities

Referral Benefits

Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at National Grid by 2x.