2026 Substation Engineer Higher Apprentice South East Thames Estuary (Kent), Asset Operations at National Grid in United Kingdom | From GBP31,310 | Kablio

Role

Description

safety monitoring

site delivery

temporary works

emergency callouts

risk assessments

team leadership

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.
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.

Requirements

electrical hnc

safety

a-levels

driving licence

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:
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 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.

Benefits

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

Training + Development

Information not given or found

Interview process

assessment centres held between january – april 2026.
recruitment on a rolling basis; candidates may apply for only one apprenticeship.

Visa Sponsorship

national grid generally cannot sponsor work visas under the uk points‑based system.
sponsorship may be considered in exceptional cases where specialist skills are unavailable locally.

Security clearance

Information not given or found

Company

Overview

1990 Founded

Year Established

The company was established in 1990 to deliver electricity and gas to millions of homes and businesses.

15,000 km

High-Voltage Network

Manages an extensive electricity transmission network of high-voltage lines across the UK.

Plays a critical role in delivering electricity and gas to millions of homes and businesses.
Operates in both the UK and US, ensuring safe and reliable energy distribution.
Deeply involved in the development of renewable energy infrastructure, including wind and solar projects.
Key projects include cross-border power links to improve energy security and integrating low-carbon solutions.
Continually innovates to meet growing energy demand while reducing environmental impact.
Operates in both electricity and natural gas distribution across a vast geographical area in the US.
Invests in sustainability initiatives and clean energy infrastructure.

Culture + Values

Stand up for safety every day
Put our customers first
Be inclusive, supporting and caring for each other
Speak up, challenge and act where something doesn’t feel right
Embrace the power and opportunity of diversity
Increase efficiency to help with customer affordability
Work with others to find solutions for customers
Commit to learning and new ideas
Take personal ownership for delivering results
Be bold and act with passion and purpose
Focus on progress over perfection
Follow the problem through to the end

Environment + Sustainability

£51B Investment

Green Infrastructure Commitment

The company has committed to investing £51 billion in green infrastructure projects by March 2029.

Net Zero 2050

Carbon Neutral Goal

Achieve net zero emissions across Scopes 1, 2, and 3 by 2050.

60% Reduction

GHG Emissions Target

Aim to reduce absolute Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions by 60% by 2030-31 compared to the 2018-19 baseline.

99.4% Diversion

Construction Waste Management

99.4% of construction waste is diverted from landfill.

37.5% reduction in absolute Scope 3 GHG emissions by 2033/34 (excluding sold electricity)
100% electric light-duty fleet by 2030; transition medium/heavy-duty to zero-carbon alternatives
50% reduction in absolute SF6 emissions by 2030/31
20% reduction in energy consumption in flagship offices by 2030/31
50% reduction in annual air-travel emissions by 2025/26 (from 2019/20 baseline), with remaining emissions offset
Engage top 50% of US suppliers (by emissions) and top 80% of UK suppliers to set Science-Based Targets by 2025/26
17% reduction in controllable Scope 1 and 2 emissions since FY19
Connecting 1.35 GW of new low-carbon generation to the network in 2023-24
100% renewable energy purchased for metered estate
7.9% improvement in environmental value of non-operational land since FY21
100% of construction projects committing to deliver 10% net gain or greater
Zero waste to landfill across key areas by 2026
Restore natural environment by 10% on UK-managed land
ISO 14001 integrated management system certification

Inclusion & Diversity

Ranked #1 UK

Gender Equality Ranking

Recognized as the top company in the UK and ranked globally by Equileap in 2021.

84% Score

Workforce Disclosure Initiative

Achieved an 84% score in the Workforce Disclosure Initiative in 2022, reflecting strong progress in inclusion and diversity practices.

#1 in Times Top 50

Gender Equality Employer Ranking

Named the number one employer for gender equality in the Times Top 50 Employers list for 2023.

Bloomberg Gender‑Equality Index

Index Inclusion

Included in the 2023 Bloomberg Gender‑Equality Index, recognizing commitment to transparent reporting and advancing women's equality.

Aspiration to be among the most inclusive, diverse and equitable companies in business
Embed inclusion into everything we do
Build a diverse and innovative green workforce for our customers
Deliver organisation‑wide equity through our processes
Use our voice, platform and influence to create dialogue and elevate issues

Articles

Careers at National Grid

Sustainability

About Us

Role

Description

safety monitoring

site delivery

temporary works

emergency callouts

risk assessments

team leadership

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.
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.

Requirements

electrical hnc

safety

a-levels

driving licence

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:
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 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.

Benefits

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

Training + Development

Information not given or found

Interview process

assessment centres held between january – april 2026.
recruitment on a rolling basis; candidates may apply for only one apprenticeship.

Visa Sponsorship

national grid generally cannot sponsor work visas under the uk points‑based system.
sponsorship may be considered in exceptional cases where specialist skills are unavailable locally.

Security clearance

Information not given or found

Company

Overview

1990 Founded

Year Established

The company was established in 1990 to deliver electricity and gas to millions of homes and businesses.

15,000 km

High-Voltage Network

Manages an extensive electricity transmission network of high-voltage lines across the UK.

Plays a critical role in delivering electricity and gas to millions of homes and businesses.
Operates in both the UK and US, ensuring safe and reliable energy distribution.
Deeply involved in the development of renewable energy infrastructure, including wind and solar projects.
Key projects include cross-border power links to improve energy security and integrating low-carbon solutions.
Continually innovates to meet growing energy demand while reducing environmental impact.
Operates in both electricity and natural gas distribution across a vast geographical area in the US.
Invests in sustainability initiatives and clean energy infrastructure.

Culture + Values

Stand up for safety every day
Put our customers first
Be inclusive, supporting and caring for each other
Speak up, challenge and act where something doesn’t feel right
Embrace the power and opportunity of diversity
Increase efficiency to help with customer affordability
Work with others to find solutions for customers
Commit to learning and new ideas
Take personal ownership for delivering results
Be bold and act with passion and purpose
Focus on progress over perfection
Follow the problem through to the end

Environment + Sustainability

£51B Investment

Green Infrastructure Commitment

The company has committed to investing £51 billion in green infrastructure projects by March 2029.

Net Zero 2050

Carbon Neutral Goal

Achieve net zero emissions across Scopes 1, 2, and 3 by 2050.

60% Reduction

GHG Emissions Target

Aim to reduce absolute Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions by 60% by 2030-31 compared to the 2018-19 baseline.

99.4% Diversion

Construction Waste Management

99.4% of construction waste is diverted from landfill.

37.5% reduction in absolute Scope 3 GHG emissions by 2033/34 (excluding sold electricity)
100% electric light-duty fleet by 2030; transition medium/heavy-duty to zero-carbon alternatives
50% reduction in absolute SF6 emissions by 2030/31
20% reduction in energy consumption in flagship offices by 2030/31
50% reduction in annual air-travel emissions by 2025/26 (from 2019/20 baseline), with remaining emissions offset
Engage top 50% of US suppliers (by emissions) and top 80% of UK suppliers to set Science-Based Targets by 2025/26
17% reduction in controllable Scope 1 and 2 emissions since FY19
Connecting 1.35 GW of new low-carbon generation to the network in 2023-24
100% renewable energy purchased for metered estate
7.9% improvement in environmental value of non-operational land since FY21
100% of construction projects committing to deliver 10% net gain or greater
Zero waste to landfill across key areas by 2026
Restore natural environment by 10% on UK-managed land
ISO 14001 integrated management system certification

Inclusion & Diversity

Ranked #1 UK

Gender Equality Ranking

Recognized as the top company in the UK and ranked globally by Equileap in 2021.

84% Score

Workforce Disclosure Initiative

Achieved an 84% score in the Workforce Disclosure Initiative in 2022, reflecting strong progress in inclusion and diversity practices.

#1 in Times Top 50

Gender Equality Employer Ranking

Named the number one employer for gender equality in the Times Top 50 Employers list for 2023.

Bloomberg Gender‑Equality Index

Index Inclusion

Included in the 2023 Bloomberg Gender‑Equality Index, recognizing commitment to transparent reporting and advancing women's equality.

Aspiration to be among the most inclusive, diverse and equitable companies in business
Embed inclusion into everything we do
Build a diverse and innovative green workforce for our customers
Deliver organisation‑wide equity through our processes
Use our voice, platform and influence to create dialogue and elevate issues

Articles

Careers at National Grid

Sustainability

About Us