Telecoms Higher Apprentice, National Grid Electricity Distribution, Tipton
About the Position
As a Telecoms Higher Apprentice, you'll begin an exciting career supporting the technology and communications networks that help keep the electricity network operating safely and efficiently. Working within the National Grid Telecoms team, you'll gain hands-on experience alongside experienced professionals while developing the technical knowledge and practical skills needed for a career in telecommunications engineering.
The National Grid Telecoms team designs, installs, commissions and supports a wide range of communication systems across the network. These include radio communications used to monitor the electricity network, mobile radio systems for operational vehicles, data communications between National Grid sites and a range of associated technologies that are critical to day-to-day operations.
Through a combination of workplace experience and structured training, you'll develop a strong understanding of telecommunications systems, network infrastructure and engineering best practice while building the foundations for a long-term career within the industry.
What You'll Do
- Support the design, installation, commissioning and maintenance of telecommunications systems and network infrastructure across the National Grid Electricity Distribution region.
- Gain experience working with a range of technologies, including radio communications, mobile radio systems, data networks and associated telecommunications equipment.
- Work alongside engineers and technical specialists to diagnose issues, support projects and help ensure telecommunications services remain reliable and effective.
- Build effective relationships with colleagues, customers and external contractors, supporting the successful delivery of telecommunications services and projects.
- Complete placements across different teams and locations to develop your technical knowledge, practical skills and understanding of telecommunications engineering.
- Please note: This role requires travel to a variety of National Grid locations throughout the apprenticeship to complete training placements and gain the practical experience needed for the role.
What You'll Need to Apply
- An interest in telecommunications
- Excellent communication skills
- Ability to work effectively within a team
- Passion for technology and why things work
In addition to the below qualifications, you are required to hold a GCSE in English AND Maths (Grade A*-C/9-4) or the equivalent Level 2 Functional Skills qualification.
Our minimum entry criteria require the following qualifications (held or predicted):
- 2 A-Levels at grade A*-C, one of which must be Mathematics, Physics, ICT, Computing or Electrical/ Electronic Engineering or Design and Technology.
- OR a level 3 or above qualification in a relevant subject to those listed above.
Please ensure that you provide details of your qualifications within your application and be prepared to provide proof of these qualifications upon request.
If your qualifications are predicted, you must receive your confirmed results prior to the commencement of the scheme.
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.
As the post you are applying for attracts a National Security Vetting clearance there are further eligibility requirements, information can be found on the gov.uk website. To meet national security vetting requirements, you will normally need to have been resident in the UK for at least 5 years for Security Clearance (SC) prior to the date of application. There are exceptions to this however and examples of these include:
- You have been serving oversees with HM forces or in some other official capacity as a representative of HM Government
- You were studying abroad
- You were living overseas with parents
If you have further queries relating to NSV, please email: nged.recruitment@nationalgrid.co.uk
In addition, 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.
Start date September 2027. Please note that we are unable to accommodate any annual leave during these first 12 weeks of training.
Location
The role is based in Tipton. Operationally we require you to live within approximately 45 minutes of the depot you are applying for.
What You'll Get In Return
We are proud to offer a starting salary of £28,137 for this apprenticeship, with annual salary increases throughout the programme:
Year 2 - £37,465
Year 3 - £45,492
Year 4 (Developmental role) - £49,369
Apprenticeship Completion - £55,835
As a first step into your career in the energy industry, our Higher 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 apprenticeship you will achieve a nationally recognised accredited qualification, Higher Apprenticeship in Telecommunications.
23 days annual leave, raising to 26 upon completion of the training programme
Competitive pension scheme (Double matched up to 12%) and Sharesave options
Earn whilst you learn and receive a fully funded qualification
Develop well-rounded skills, learning from experienced and qualified professionals in the industry
Employee Assistance Programme is there to take care of you and includes musculoskeletal and physiotherapy services if you need them .
A permanent position upon successful completion of your apprenticeship.
About the Apprenticeship Programme
Alongside your role, you'll complete a Higher Apprenticeship in Telecommunications, typically taking around four years to complete. The programme combines structured learning with hands-on workplace experience, helping you develop the technical skills and industry knowledge needed for a career in telecommunications engineering.
Your development programme will include:
- Technical training through specialist learning providers and National Grid training centres
- Hands-on experience with radio communications, mobile radio systems, data networks and telecommunications infrastructure
- Rotational placements across different teams and operational locations
- Working alongside experienced engineers on live projects and network technologies
- Building evidence of your development and completing apprenticeship assessments
- Ongoing support and training to help you build a long-term career within National Grid Telecoms
You'll apply your learning directly in the workplace, gaining practical experience while developing the knowledge, skills and behaviours required to support critical communications systems across the electricity network.
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.
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