Alfreton, GB, DE55 4QT
We’re National Grid Electricity Distribution (NGED), the owner and operator behind the electricity distribution systems for the Midlands, the Southwest of England and South Wales. Serving communities of more than 8 million people, our expert teams deliver heat, light and power for homes and businesses, working outdoors with underground cables, overhead lines and substations that operate between 230 and 132,000 volts.
Net-zero targets are transforming the way we work and increasing the scope of the positive impact we can make. Right now, we’re looking for apprentices to join us.
Our people in Network Services work across a number of teams to keep the lights on for our customers. They might be helping a customer who has lost supply or supporting a developer building a multi-million pound project.
They maintain a 24/7 service from faults and maintenance, asset replacement to new connections, working outdoors with underground cables, overhead lines and substations that operate between 230 and 132,000 volts, their work is critical to everything we do.
As a Trainee Operational Delivery Engineer (field based) you will specialise in electrical fitting, underground cables, overhead lines, plant equipment, civil schemes, protection activities and you will also be involved with planning and network design services including the installation and commissioning of complex schemes on the network and at operational sites. You will be working outside in all weathers to ensure the safe and efficient operation of the Electricity Distribution system.
The training programme provides on-the-job training and formal courses held in one of our Training Centre’s at either Taunton or Tipton, over a period of approximately two years (depending on entry level qualifications). Successful candidates will also be expected to study for and achieve a higher-level qualification. The majority of the on-the-job training will take place within local teams, but you may be required to undertake placements at other locations across the National Grid service area, so you need to be flexible and able to travel.
The apprenticeship programme takes around five years to complete, and you’ll spend your first 10 - 12 weeks being inducted onto the programme at one of our Training Centres. You’ll earn while you learn and develop your knowledge, skills and behaviours to become an Operational Delivery Engineer, achieving a higher-level qualification (if not already achieved). Your Training will include vocational and academic courses along with placements across our service areas. During these placements you will undertake managed office or field-based training with a team where you can put your new skills into practice.
As you will be studying for a higher-level qualification, you will be required to undertake placements at your training provider for up to two weeks at a time during the first two years. Accommodation and travel costs will be provided.
You'll become integral to the company offering many benefits who offer a supportive working environment, providing you the skills to make robust decisions and successfully deliver essential works. We are committed to investing in the latest technologies and working methods to improve service to customers. Ready to power up your career? Join us and gain career-building skills, knowledge and qualifications in an established and innovative industry.
In addition to the below qualifications, you are required to hold a GCSE in English AND Maths (Grade A*-C/9-4)
Our minimum entry criteria require the following qualifications (held or predicted):
If your qualifications are predicated, you must receive your confirmed results prior to the commencement of the scheme.
You will also be required to undertake a Mathematics Diagnostic Test at the start of the higher-level qualification. The test exists to provide a profile of your mathematical strengths and weaknesses and is not used to produce a mark for assessment.
If you are offered a position, you will be required to successfully complete a basic DBS check that shows any unspent convictions or conditional cautions.
Whatever qualifications you hold, we will need to see evidence of them for you to be considered. If possible, please upload evidence of the required qualifications with your application. These can be scanned or photographed and attached as a PDF document.
Start date September 2025. Please note that we are unable to accommodate any annual leave during these first 12 weeks of training.
Operationally we require you to live within approximately 30 minutes of the depot you are applying for. Please only submit one application. If you appear to be a good match for more than one location, we will consider your suitability during the process. Multiple applications will not be considered.
Joining the UK’s leading electricity distribution business means plenty of career opportunities and well-deserved recognition. We reward hard work and encourage ambition, which is why we offer a competitive starting salary of £25,642. You will then see your salary increase as you become more experienced, following the timeline below:
In addition to this, you will also receive the following benefits:
