Electrical Technician Advanced Apprentice, HVDC Interconnector, Ashford Sellindge (Kent)

About the Position

As an Advanced Apprentice HVDC Technician, you'll play a hands-on role in maintaining and operating some of the UK's most critical energy infrastructure. Working on our interconnectors, you'll help ensure the reliable transfer of electricity between Britain and neighbouring countries, supporting energy security and network resilience.

This is an exciting opportunity to earn while you learn, gaining a recognised engineering qualification while developing practical skills alongside experienced technicians at specialist HVDC sites.

HVDC technology is central to the UK's transition to a cleaner energy future, enabling the efficient transmission of power over long distances and supporting the integration of renewable energy sources across Europe.

As part of our Operations & Maintenance team, you'll gain experience carrying out maintenance activities, supporting fault investigations, working with specialist contractors and suppliers, and helping to keep our interconnector assets operating safely, reliably and efficiently. 

What You'll Do

Our interconnector sites operate a range of complex equipment, including high and low voltage electrical systems, pressure systems and other controlled substances. Safety is at the heart of everything we do, and you'll receive comprehensive training to work safely in operational environments. 

The role will involve: 

• Carrying out maintenance activities, inspections, testing, fault finding, repairs and working with electrical, mechanical, control and protection systems. 
• Working outdoors in all weather conditions. 
• Wearing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). 
• Working at height. 
• Occasionally working in confined spaces. 
• Following strict health, safety and environmental procedures. The apprenticeship and subsequent role will require extensive travel across the UK, including frequent stays away from home of varying durations.  

What You'll Need to Apply

• 5 GCSEs (Grade 4/C or above), including English, Maths and Science. 
• A full UK driving licence at least three months before your start date. 
• Access to your own transport. 
• To live within one hour of your assigned site. 

National Security Vetting

As you progress within your apprenticeship, you will eventually require National Security Vetting at Security Check (SC) level 5. We encourage applications from candidates who meet the essential qualification requirements and are prepared to undergo and maintain the necessary security clearance throughout their employment. Guidance can be found at SC - Guidance Pack for Applicants - GOV.UK

Location

This role is primarily based at our Sellindge Interconnector site in Ashford, Kent. You will also be required to travel to other locations, including other interconnector sites, training venues such as our National Grid Training Centre in Eakring, and our head office in Warwick.

Please note that this role involves frequent travel and multiple overnight stays away from home.

What You'll Get In Return

We are proud to offer a starting salary of £25,946 for this apprenticeship, with annual salary increases throughout the programme.

As a first step into your career in the energy industry, our Advanced Apprenticeship programme offers a unique opportunity to develop your skills, gain valuable experience, and build a long-term career with National Grid.

Alongside a tailored development programme to power your career at National Grid, we also offer some great rewards and benefits too:

• Upon successful completion of your four year apprenticeship you will achieve a nationally recognised accredited qualification, Level 3 Engineering Maintenance Technician (for more information go to the Skills England website: Reference: ST1443). 
• Hands-on experience maintaining critical energy infrastructure. 
• Training from experienced HVDC technicians and industry specialists. 
• Opportunities to work with cutting-edge technology supporting the UK's Net Zero ambitions. 
• Gain practical experience through a blend of classroom learning, technical training and on-site placements, developing the skills and knowledge required to support Operations and Maintenance. 
• A clear pathway and ongoing support throughout your apprenticeship and as you transition into a qualified HVDC Technician role. 
• A permanent position upon successful completion of your apprenticeship.
• 26 days' annual leave, plus statutory holidays.
• A competitive pension scheme
• Flexible benefits including cycle to work and holiday buy/sell schemes.
• The opportunity to participate in our Sharesave and Share Incentive Plans.

Career Progression

Successful apprentices will gain nationally recognised engineering qualification and the skills needed to progress into a qualified HVDC Technician role, with future opportunities to develop into senior technical, operational or specialist engineering positions. 

About the Apprenticeship Programme

As part of this apprenticeship, you will study for a Level 3 Engineering Maintenance Technician (Dual Discipline) qualification, developing the knowledge and practical skills needed to maintain, inspect and repair the equipment that keeps National Grid's energy network operating safely and reliably.

Throughout the programme, you will study a range of topics, including:

• Mechanical and electrical engineering principles
• Planned and reactive maintenance techniques
• Fault finding, diagnosis and problem solving
• Electrical systems, equipment and control circuits
• Mechanical components, machinery and rotating plant
• Health, safety and environmental legislation
• Engineering drawings, technical documentation and schematics
• Continuous improvement and asset reliability

As a dual-discipline apprentice, you will gain experience across both mechanical and electrical engineering, building a broad understanding of how critical assets are maintained and operated within a complex engineering environment.

Alongside your studies, you'll work with experienced National Grid engineers, applying your learning to real-world maintenance activities that help ensure the safe and reliable delivery of energy to millions of homes and businesses across the UK.

By the end of the programme, you'll have achieved a nationally recognised Level 3 qualification and developed the skills, knowledge and behaviours needed to progress into a maintenance engineering career with National Grid.

About National Grid

National Grid is the UK’s critical energy infrastructure company, operating the electricity network and infrastructure that connects millions of people to the energy they use every day, supporting homes, businesses and communities across England and Wales.

We know the future of energy won't be shaped by what we know today. It will be shaped by what's possible tomorrow. That's why we're investing in the next generation of talent, giving apprentices, undergraduates and graduates the opportunity to learn from experts, gain hands-on experience and contribute to work that matters from day one.

Are you ready to unlock the power of the possible?

More Information

We recruit on a rolling basis across our Early Careers Roles. We may close our vacancies early once we have enough applications. We therefore encourage you to apply as early as possible. Assessment centres will be held from January 2027 – April 2027.   

National Grid's Early Careers opportunities in the UK are 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