2026 Substation Engineer, Higher Apprentice North West Cheshire (Chester), Asset Operations

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? A company that invests billions in Net Zero and creating a brighter energy future?

How about being paid over £30,000 a year while you train with free food, free accommodation, AND free travel too?

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 to make it usable for homes and businesses.

You'll be learning 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 have a Level 4 Higher National Certificate in Power Network Electrical Power Protection & Plant Commissioning. Most importantly, you'll have a permanent job waiting for you!

A job where the decisions you make will impact the transmission of electricity in England and Wales for the next 40 or 50 years. A job where you'll be delivering maintenance work, replacing and refurbishing assets, fixing mechanical and electrical issues, and connecting new customers. A job that helps connect energy from renewable sources such as wind and solar farms, to the transmission network.

Here some extra information we thought was important for you to know:

• It's important that you deliver all works with safety being at the heart of all actions and decisions. Demonstrating safety behaviours by not walking past, following process and rules and speaking up where things don't look right.
• You'll be working towards Senior Authorised Person (SAP). Leading teams of fitters and contractors on high voltage substation projects ensuring they are set to work in the correct manner, including the provision of risk assessments and method statements, and that toolbox talks take place.
• You'll also be managing, monitoring and reviewing progress on safety critical works. Undertake site delivery activities of projects as the appointed temporary works co-ordinator and principle contractor as defined in CDM regs, and helping keep the UK's electricity network running smoothly. You'll also join a standby rota for emergency call outs - earning additional payments for your expertise and availability.

Location

This role is based across the North West Cheshire region. This means you'll be expected to travel around this region as part of your role.

Due to the nature of this role, you'll need to live within a 45 minute drive of the following postcode: CH1 6HE

About You

You're driven, proactive, and always seeking ways to improve. Building on your existing knowledge and skills is second nature to you, and you have the enthusiasm to take things to the next level. Communication comes naturally to you, and you know how to adapt your approach to connect with different people.

As a flexible multitasker, you can handle multiple responsibilities while paying great attention to detail. Academic brilliance isn't the only thing we're looking for; we value practical individuals with engineering mindsets who are eager to apply themselves.

• You'll have two A-Levels, including Maths or Physics graded C or above, or a BTEC that includes a Maths or Engineering module

• A valid UK driving license that allows you to drive three months before your start date.

• You'll need to be able to live away from home during your training; primarily at our Eakring Training Centre in Nottinghamshire. You'll also spend time in Loughborough, studying for your Higher National Certificate in Electrical power protection and plant commissioning. Typically, you'll stay on-site from Monday to Thursday and return home for the weekend (Friday to Sunday). The amount of time spent at Eakring will decrease as you progress through 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 £31,310

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:

• 26 days annual leave plus statutory holidays
• Our double-matched pension contribution scheme
• There is the option to buy discounted National Grid shares
• We'll pay for one professional membership subscription

Our My Discounts' scheme offers discounts on everything from the weekly shop to your annual summer holidays. You'll find savings on cinema tickets and at a range of high street retailers, including Sainsburys, John Lewis, Currys, Argos and Marks and Spencer.

National Grid is committed to the personal development of our staff. Joining us, you'll be supported as you develop a wide range of business, and technical skills through structured training and on the-job experience. You'll work closely with your line manager to establish and navigate through a Personal Development Plan that is tailored to your needs.

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