2026 Substation Engineer Higher Apprentice South East (Sussex), Asset Operations

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

Job summary

A leading energy company in the UK is seeking a Substation Engineer Higher Apprentice to learn about electricity transmission and work towards a Level 4 Higher National Certificate. This full-time role offers a starting salary of £31,310, along with comprehensive training, benefits including annual leave and a pension scheme, and the opportunity to improve skills essential for a greener future. Applicants must hold two A-Levels including Maths or Physics.

Benefits

26 days annual leave plus statutory holidays

Double‑matched pension contribution scheme

Discounted National Grid shares

Professional membership subscription paid

Savings through 'My Discounts' scheme

Qualifications

• Two A-Levels or a relevant BTEC are required.
• Valid UK driving licence and ability to drive three months before the start date.
• Prepared to live away from home during training.

Responsibilities

• Deliver all works with safety at the heart of all actions and decisions.
• Work towards Senior Authorised Person (SAP) for high-voltage projects.
• Join a standby rota for emergency call-outs.

Skills

Maths

Physics

Driver

Education

Two A-Levels including Maths or Physics graded C or above

BTEC that includes a Maths or Engineering module

Job description

2026 Substation Engineer Higher Apprentice South East (Sussex), Asset Operations

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About The Role

Ensuring the future of electricity transmission. We don’t think of engineering as a job, we think of it as a legacy – a way of passing on a brighter energy future and keeping the lights on. Would you like to be part of it? How about working for a company that makes electricity happen for every single person in England and Wales and invests billions in Net Zero and a brighter energy future?

Training and Compensation

Our Three‑year Higher Apprenticeship Substations programme will train you to become an engineer in one of our substations, where we transform high‑voltage electricity into low‑voltage electricity for homes and businesses. You’ll learn about testing equipment, safety, protection and control of the system, substation refurbishment maintenance, technical support, problem diagnosis and fault fixing. At the end of the three years, you’ll hold a Level 4 Higher National Certificate in Power Network Electrical Power Protection & Plant Commissioning and a permanent job waiting for you. Your work will impact the transmission of electricity in England and Wales for the next 40–50 years, including maintenance, refurbishment, fault fixing and connecting new customers, especially renewable energy sources such as wind and solar farms.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver all works with safety at the heart of all actions and decisions. Demonstrate safety behaviours by not walking past, following process and rules, and speaking up when something doesn’t look right.


• Work towards Senior Authorised Person (SAP). Lead teams of fitters and contractors on high‑voltage substation projects, ensuring correct practice, including risk assessments, method statements and toolbox talks.


• Manage, monitor and review progress on safety‑critical works. Undertake site delivery activities as the appointed temporary‑works co‑ordinator and principal contractor as defined in CDM regulations, and keep the UK’s electricity network running smoothly. Join a standby rota for emergency call‑outs, earning additional payments for expertise and availability.

Location

This role is based across the South East Sussex region. You’ll be expected to travel within the region and must live within a 45‑minute drive of postcode TN33 9BJ.

About You

• Two A‑Levels, including Maths or Physics graded C or above, or a BTEC that includes a Maths or Engineering module.


• Valid UK driving licence and ability to drive three months before the start date.


• Prepared to live away from home during training at Eakring Training Centre (Nottinghamshire) and spend time in Loughborough for the Higher National Certificate. Typically you’ll stay on‑site Monday–Thursday and return home Friday–Sunday.

Programme Structure

Year 1 – around 75 %

Year 2 – around 50 %

Year 3 – around 25 %

What You’ll Get

Starting salary of £31,310.

Benefits

• 26 days annual leave plus statutory holidays.


• Double‑matched pension contribution scheme.


• Option to buy discounted National Grid shares.


• One professional membership subscription paid.

Our “My Discounts” scheme offers savings on shopping, holidays, cinema tickets and retailers including Sainsbury’s, John Lewis, Currys, Argos and Marks & Spencer.

National Grid is committed to the personal development of staff. You’ll be supported with structured training, on‑job experience and a Personal Development Plan tailored to your needs.

Company Overview

National Grid powers the UK’s energy system, keeping the lights on for hospitals, homes and businesses. We don’t generate or sell energy – we connect it. With 30 000 colleagues, we invest in a cleaner, greener future and shape energy consumption for generations.

Values and Principles

Diversity, equity, and inclusion are at the heart of what we do. We encourage applications from all backgrounds and are ready to discuss adjustments for you.

Additional Information

• Apply only for one Apprenticeship opportunity during this recruitment cycle.


• Recruitment is on a rolling basis; vacancies may close once sufficient applications are received.


• Assessment centres will be held January–April 2026.


• The apprenticeship is open to all applicants with a valid right to work in the UK. Immigration sponsorship is limited.

For visa information visit https://www.gov.uk/browse/visas-immigration/work-visas.

Seniority level

Internship

Employment type

Full‑time

Job function

Engineering and Information Technology

Industries

Utilities