OHL Trainee

A new career at height — reskill into a specialist Overhead Lines role

If you’re comfortable and/or experienced at height, enjoy working outdoors, and want to retrain into a highly skilled, future-proof profession, our Overhead Lines (OHL) Training Scheme offers a clear and supported route into the electricity transmission industry. (This advert has a lot of information please read it all to fully understand the requirements).

Our brand new 12-month accelerated programme is designed specifically for career changers from related industries — people who already understand site safety, tools, and physical work, and are ready to apply those skills in a new, specialist environment helping keep electricity flowing across England and Wales.

Who this scheme is for?

This opportunity is ideal if you’re currently working in — or have experience in — areas such as:

• Construction or civil engineering.
• Mechanical trades.
• Telecoms, utilities, rail or highways.
• Scaffolding, rope access, wind or tower work.
• Armed forces or other safety-critical environments.
• Hobbyist – Climbing.

You don’t need previous overhead line experience — we’ll train you. What matters is that you bring practical ability, the right mindset, and you are comfortable and/or experienced at height.

About the scheme

The programme provides a clear, structured pathway into an Overhead Lines career, combining:

• On-the-job learning with experienced OHL teams on site.
• Formal training at the National Grid Academy in Eakring (Nottinghamshire).
• Completion of a Level 3 Diploma.
• Staged practical assessments and a competence portfolio.
• Learn how to use working at height equipment such as hoists, rigging, slinging and mechanical plant.

You’ll be supported throughout by dedicated overhead line trainers and on-site mentors, helping you transfer your existing skills into a new technical discipline. On successful completion, you’ll progress into a permanent Overhead Linesperson role.

We have 6 Locations and number of positions required at each location, you can choose your location on application:

• West Boldon, South Tyneside - due to volume of candidates no longer taking applications
• Staythorpe, Newark On Trent - due to volume of candidates no longer taking applications
• Stocking Pelham, Hertfordshire x 3.
• Fleet, Hampshire x 3.
• Iron Acton, Bristol x 3
• Swansea - due to volume of candidates no longer taking applications

Pay and Benefits

• A salary of £33,323 pa plus expenses for the period of initial training.
• Starting salary on successful completion of the training scheme £40,581 pa + £1,871 Seasonal working allowance, increasing up to £45,089 with experience.
• All PPE + Company vehicle - business use only.
• Contribution Pension scheme up to max total 18%. 
• 26 days annual leave plus 8 bank holidays with option to buy/sell holidays. 
• More information on benefits - Benefits | National Grid Careers

What we’re looking for

• You can commit to a Fixed Term Contract for 12 months on a salary of £33,323 pa.

• Min NVQ Level 2 (or equivalent) in Construction, engineering or Mechanical discipline.
• Comfortable and/or experienced at height.
• Practical skills.
• A full UK driving licence.
• A strong commitment to safety, quality and teamwork.
• Willingness to travel within around 1.5 hours of your base location, with opportunities to work nationally.

• You live roughly 45 minutes commute of the following sites:

• • West Boldon, South Tyneside.
  • Staythorpe, Newark On Trent.
  • Stocking Pelham, Hertfordshire.
  • Fleet, Hampshire.
  • Iron Acton, Bristol.
  • Swansea.

Assessment and next steps

This face-to-face approach allows us to assess practical skills safely and gives you a realistic insight into the role and environment.

• Assessment date: Monday 9, Tuesday 10, Wednesday 11, Thursday 12 and Friday 13 March.
• Time – 10.00am – 3.00pm.

• Assessment format: Face-to-face.
• Location: National Grid Training Academy, Kirklington Road, Eakring, Newark, Nottinghamshire, NG22 0DA.

• Travel – You’ll make your own way there, expenses will be paid up to £100 (keep all receipts).
• What to expect: Practical hand-skills, Colour Blindness and height-confidence assessments alongside interviews.
• Time commitment: Please allow a full day.
• Decision on assessment outcomes – End of March.
• Training scheme start date – May 2026.

What you’ll do as an Overhead Linesperson

At National Grid Overhead Linesperson’s play a critical role at the heart of the UK’s electricity transmission system, carrying out hands-on work high above the ground. Your role will include:

• Working at height on electricity transmission towers up to 50 metres (164ft)
• Inspecting, maintaining and repairing overhead line equipment
• Supporting fault response and system recovery
• Contributing to major infrastructure and upgrade projects
• Working as part of a close-knit team in outdoor, safety-critical environments
• Travelling up to 1.5 hours from your base, with opportunities to work nationally

A challenging and varied role where no two days are the same — offering real responsibility, teamwork and the chance to keep the UK powered.

This is more than just a training scheme – it's your chance to be at the forefront of the UK’s energy transformation. If you’re ready to future-proof your career while helping power the nation, apply for the OHL Training scheme today. 

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