Substation Engineer

From Aerospace Graduate to Substation Engineer: Why an Apprenticeship was the best decision I made

Meet Andrew, one of our Substation Engineers working in our London team.

When people think about apprenticeships, they often assume they're an alternative to university. I used to think the same thing.

In fact, I already had a degree before joining National Grid. I studied Aerospace Engineering at university and spent a few years exploring different career options after graduating. But it was during that time that I realised the parts of my degree I enjoyed most were related to electrical engineering and understanding how vital infrastructure powers our everyday lives.

If I could go back and speak to my younger self, I'd tell him to seriously consider an apprenticeship from the start.

I started looking at different routes into the industry. I even considered becoming an electrician because I wanted hands-on experience. But when I discovered National Grid's Higher Apprenticeship programme, it offered something that stood out immediately: the chance to build technical expertise, gain practical experience, earn qualifications, make a real impact on the country's energy future and get paid while doing it.

Today, I'm a Substation Engineer working within the London Central team, having graduated off the Higher Apprenticeship programme, helping maintain and operate the equipment that keeps electricity flowing safely and reliably to millions of people.

Challenging the Stigma Around Apprenticeships

Growing up, I remember apprenticeships often being presented as an option for people who weren't planning to go to university. What I've learned since is that apprenticeships can be just as ambitious, challenging and rewarding as a traditional degree route.

In fact, if I could go back and speak to my younger self, I'd tell him to seriously consider an apprenticeship from the start.

Through my apprenticeship I've gained additional qualifications, travelled across the country, worked alongside industry experts and built skills that are directly relevant to my career. I've worked in locations including Leeds, Sheffield, Norwich and Stafford, gaining experience across different teams and environments.

The biggest difference? I've been building real industry experience from day one.

Learning by Doing

One of the things I love most about the apprenticeship is the balance between academic learning and practical experience.

In the early years of the programme, I split my time between technical training, academic study and hands-on experience in the field. As the apprenticeship progresses, you spend even more time on site, working alongside experienced engineers and learning directly from them.

The learning never feels disconnected from the job because you're applying what you've learned in real situations almost immediately.

Over the course of my apprenticeship, I've developed skills including:

• Electrical wiring and installation
• High-voltage equipment operation
• Safe switching procedures
• Planning and managing work activities
• Health and safety leadership
• Equipment protection systems
• Technical reporting and documentation
• Time management and organisation
• Teamwork and communication

One of the biggest lessons has been learning how to safely switch equipment on and off within the electricity network. It's a highly controlled process that requires attention to detail, responsibility and a strong safety mindset.

What Does a Typical Day Look Like?

No two days are exactly the same, which is one of the reasons I enjoy the role.

A typical day starts with a team briefing and reviewing the work planned for the day. From there, I could be:

• Supporting maintenance activities in substations
• Inspecting electrical equipment
• Learning about protection and control systems
• Working alongside experienced engineers on site
• Preparing work areas and ensuring safety controls are in place
• Contributing to project work and operational activities
• Completing technical reports and apprenticeship logbooks

Every day is an opportunity to learn something new, ask questions and gain experience that will help me develop into a fully qualified engineer.

Support Every Step of the Way

Starting an apprenticeship can feel daunting, but one thing that surprised me was how much support is available.

The camaraderie within the apprentice cohort is incredible. You're surrounded by people who are experiencing the same challenges and achievements at the same time. Whether you're studying, preparing reports or learning new technical concepts, there's always someone to help.

At the same time, you're supported by mentors who have already been through the apprenticeship route themselves.

Some of my mentors completed their apprenticeships only a few years ago and can relate directly to the experiences I'm having right now. Others have decades of experience and provide guidance from a completely different perspective.

Together, that support network gives you the confidence to keep progressing.

The learning never feels disconnected from the job because you're applying what you've learned in real situations almost immediately.

More Than Just a Qualification

One thing people don't always realise is that apprenticeships can offer many of the same experiences associated with university.

When attending our training centre, you're living and learning alongside other apprentices from around the country. Outside of training hours, there's plenty of time to socialise, build friendships and enjoy activities together.

For many people, it's their first experience of independence away from home and it's a fantastic opportunity to develop both personally and professionally.

The difference is that you're earning a salary, gaining industry experience and building your future career at the same time.

Why I Would Recommend an Apprenticeship

If you're considering your next step after school, college or even university, I'd encourage you to keep an open mind about apprenticeships.

The combination of qualifications, hands-on experience, professional support and career opportunities is hard to beat.

For me, it has provided a clear pathway into a meaningful engineering career while allowing me to contribute to something bigger: helping deliver the energy network the UK relies on every day.

And the best part? Every day I'm still learning.