2026 Project Management Officer Higher Apprentice, Strategic Infrastructure, Birmingham

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Job Description

About the role

The Project Management Officer Higher Apprentice role is based within our Strategic Infrastructure Team (SI), a new team that has been set up to deliver 17 new major projects in the UK, as well as other strategic projects to help us deliver on our net zero ambitions and help the UK Government meet its target of 50GW of renewable energy by 2030.

Our aim is to help the UK switch to clean energy and make sure our electricity network is fit for the future; carrying more clean, secure energy from where it's generated to where you need it. As a Project Management Officer Higher Apprentice, you would play a crucial role in enabling us to do this.


Within this role you'll be looking after the Project Management Office (PMO) with our Planning, Estimating, Risk and Reporting colleagues you'll gain experience in all aspects of estimating, risk and cost management including:

  • Participating in scheme teams, preparing budget estimates for future construction projects through their development from business case to contract award.
  • Supporting Project Managers and their teams during project delivery, gaining hands on experience in project management.
  • Maintain and update the Cost Book, using data from tender submissions and completed projects to reflect market trends and improve cost estimation accuracy.
  • Support risk management activities, including helping to run risk workshops and analysing project risk registers to identify broader trends across the portfolio.
  • Understanding how projects interact with each other and the operational constraints of a live system with National Grid's outage plan.
  • The opportunity to be involved in project planning and programme management of live projects.

By the end of your scheme, you'll be supporting to make sure we hit the Network Output Measures plan; the projects that protect the asset health ratings which drive a large part of National Grid's revenue.

Location for this role

This role is based in the Birmingham office and offers flexible, hybrid working.

Within the role you will support the delivery of one of our major infrastructure projects within SI, and therefore you will be required to live within a 45-60-minute commutable distance of the following postcode: B3 3HN

You will be required to travel to our site locations, annually you're expected to travel more than 10,000 miles for business .

About you

  • You will have a minimum of five GCSEs with grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), including English language and Maths (or equivalent).
  • Have or be predicated to achieve two A-Levels at grade C or above including either Maths, Physics, Chemistry, Business Studies, or Computing subject OR BTEC National Certificate OR BTEC National Certificate OR Diploma Level 3 in Electrical, Mechanical, Civil Engineering, Quantity Surveying, Computing or Business Studies at Grade Merit or Distinction
  • A driving license is required for this role so if you do not already have one you must have obtained one by 31st May 2026

You don't need prior work experience; the determination and will to succeed is far more important as we will teach you everything you need to know. The role will provide you with a variety of skills including transferrable skills to support your career development within National Grid.

What you'll get

We are proud to offer a starting salary of £31,310 for this apprenticeship which will increase annually.

As a first step to your career in the energy industry, our Higher Apprenticeship programmes are like no other! You'll gain an insight into how we work at National Grid, understand what a career with us can offer, and receive some great rewards and benefits:

  • Upon successful completion of your two-year apprenticeship you will achieve a nationally recognised accredited qualification, Level 4 Qualification in Associate Project Management.
  • 26 days annual leave + statutory holidays.
  • Pension scheme and sharesave options.
  • Flexible benefits including cycle to work, buy/sell holiday to name a few.
  • Opportunity to enrol in our sharesave/share incentive plans.
  • You'll develop well-rounded skills through practical experience.
  • A permanent position upon successful completion of your Apprenticeship.

About National Grid


National Grid is at the heart of the energy future, and our people are at the heart of National Grid. We're 30,000 colleagues strong. In the UK, National Grid doesn't generate or sell energy - we join the dots to get energy from A to B. From making a cup of tea in the morning, to keeping the lights on in hospitals, our electricity network puts power in the hands of people. Without it, the world as we know it would grind to a halt.

The world of energy is changing beyond recognition as we focus on building a cleaner, greener future. Working at National Grid, you won't just be touching the lives of almost everyone in the UK - you'll be shaping the way we use and consume energy for generations to come.

Our Values and Principles


Diversity, equity, and inclusion are at the heart of who we are and what we do. Our commitment to these values is unwavering and they are central to our mission. We encourage applications from all backgrounds, communities and industries and we are happy to discuss any adjustments that you require.

Further Information

You can only apply for one Apprenticeship opportunity during this recruitment cycle.

We recruit on a rolling basis and reserve the right to close our vacancies once we have enough applications/based on volume of applications. We encourage you to apply as early as possible to ensure you obtain the place you want in the application process.

Assessment centres will be held between January - April 2026.

National Grid's Apprenticeship programme in the UK is open to all applicants who meet the eligibility criteria including an existing and valid right to work in the UK. As part of the application process this will need to be evidenced and verified before you can start the programme.


Please note that in most cases, National Grid is unable to offer sponsorship for employment under the UK points-based immigration system. As such, 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. However, in exceptional circumstances where there is a clear and demonstrable need for specialist skills that cannot be sourced from the local labour market, National Grid may consider offering sponsorship. All applications are welcome from candidates who meet these requirements, regardless of race, nationality, or ethnic origin


Please be aware that it's your responsibility to explore avenues of working in the UK, as we're not able to provide advice on this.


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

At National Grid, it's our people that provide our true superpower. They drive and sustain our growth, their unique differences only making us stronger, so we pride ourselves on placing diversity, equity and inclusion at the heart of who we are and what we do and are committed to building a workforce of the future which represents the communities we serve. We welcome and encourage applicants with diverse experiences and backgrounds, and offer flexible and tailored support, at home and in the office where and when needed. All our offers are based on the right to work in the UK, qualifications, the innovation from creating diverse teams and perspectives, as well as business need.