Overhead Lines Engineer Higher Apprenticeship 2026, Asset Operations - Preston

Overhead Lines Engineer Higher Apprenticeship 2026, Asset Operations - Preston

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.

Wouldyou like to be part of it?

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

Our three-year Higher Apprenticeship Overhead Line programme will train you to become an engineer in one of our Overhead Line teams.

You’ll be learning everything about Overhead Lines, the types of conductors, fittings and insulator systems that are installed. You’ll also gain knowledge regarding safety from the system, general safety, overhead line refurbishment & maintenance methods, technical support, 3rd Party requests and fault fixing.

At the end of the three years’, you’ll have a HTQ in Electrical and Electronics Engineering (HNC). Most importantly, you’ll have a 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. A job that helps connect energy from renewable sources such as wind and solar farms, to the transmission network.

Eventually, you will train to become an Overhead Line Project Leader and taking responsibility for the safety of your co-workers. If that sounds like something that you’d like to be part of, we’d be very interested in talking to you!

The life of a Higher Apprentice is varied and fast paced; no two days are the same. On a day to day basis you could expect to be involved with;

• Developing projects and safe systems of work for setting staff to work in accordance with safe practices, procedures and risk assessments
• Supporting the day to day management of the operational overhead line team’s resources and assets
• Responding to overhead line faults and defects as they occur
• Developing your specialist technical skills to deliver a wide variety of OHL projects safely, on time and to budget
• Develop your skills and experience towards enacting the roles of Project Leader, Temporary Works Coordinator and Principle Contractors Representative
• Shadowing experienced OHL engineers across the full range of operational work to gain new skills and knowledge whilst in the field.
• Receiving Health and Safety training leading to role specific authorisations.
• Working away from home and work in a variety of zones/geographical area to develop your skills

Location

You must live within 45 minutes of PR1 0NS to be considered for this role.

About You

You are driven and proactive with an appetite for continuous improvement. You know how to build on your existing knowledge and skills and have the enthusiasm to run with things and to try to make them better. You’re articulate and know how to communicate appropriately with a variety of people.

You are a flexible multitasker who can do multiple jobs at the same time and still pay great attention to detail. It’s doesn’t matter if you’re not academically dazzling; we want practical people with engineering mindsets who are really keen to apply themselves.

Here's what you'll need:

• Two A-Levels, including Maths graded C or above, or a BTEC which includes a Maths or engineering module.
• Five GCSEs including Maths and English Language graded 4(C).
• A valid driving licence that permits you to drive in the UK 3 months before your start date.
• You must be able to live away from home, primarily at our Eakring academy, in Nottinghamshire. You will also spend some of your time at college studying.

This is a physically active role that may include occasional working at height, manual handling, and some outdoor work in varied conditions. Applicants should be confident in their ability to meet these demands safely and effectively, with reasonable adjustments considered in line with our commitment to equal opportunities.

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:

• You’ll be working towards a Level 4 qualification in Electrical and Electronics Engineering (HNC)
• 26 days annual leave plus statutory holidays
• You could earn a £250 bonus, depending on performance
• Our double-matched pension contribution scheme means your pension could be worth up to 18% of your salary
• There is the option to buy discounted National Grid shares
• Financial support for study relevant to your role is available
• 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.

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.

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.

At National Grid, we work towards the highest standards in everything we do, including how we support, value and develop our people. Our aim is to encourage and support employees to thrive and be the best they can be. We celebrate the unique differences people bring into our organisation, and welcome and encourage applicants with diverse experiences and backgrounds, and offer flexible and tailored support, at home and in the office.

Our goal is to drive, develop and operate our business in a way that results in a more inclusive culture. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, the innovation that comes with having diverse teams and business need.

We are committed to building a workforce that is representative of the communities we serve and provide a working environment where everyone feels valued, respected, fairly treated, and able to reach their full potential.

How to apply

To apply for this role and to find out more, please click on the apply button. Please note that applications may close before the application deadline, so apply early to avoid disappointment.