2026 Outage Planning Engineer Higher Apprentice, Network Operations, Warwick

About the role

As an Outage Planning Engineer Higher Apprentice at National Grid, you'll join the Electricity Transmission Network Operations and Intelligence team to help plan and manage power outages so essential maintenance can happen with minimal disruption to our customers.

At National Grid we utilise advanced technologies and maintain clear communication channels to enhance system reliability and customer satisfaction during outages. As an Outage Planning Engineer Higher Apprentice, you would play a crucial role in enabling us to do this.

Within this role you will gain experience in creating detailed plans for scheduled power outages, mapping out which lines are affected, what work needs doing, and when it will happen. Working closely with customers, regulators, and neighbouring utilities you will ensure everything runs smoothly, it’s all about smart planning, clear communication, and keeping the electricity flowing.

Key responsibilities of the role Include:

• Work in collaboration with substation crews to plan essential maintenance outages that keep the network safe and reliable.
• Work with key stakeholders to make sure the system is ready and accessible for planned works.
• Assess risks and complete assessments to help make smart decisions to avoid unexpected issues.
• Respond to critical faults fast, adjusting plans to keep everything running smoothly.
• Explain the ‘why’ behind the work, showing the value and impact of each outage.

Location for this role

This role is based in the office headquarters in Warwick and offers flexible, hybrid working.

You will also spend time at Loughborough College to study for your HTQ in Electrical/ Electronic Engineering and our National Grid Training Academy in Eakring, Nottinghamshire to complete a variety of in-house, specialist training programmes.

About you

• You will have a minimum of five GCSEs with grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), including English, Maths and a Science.
• Have or be predicted to achieve two A-Levels at grade C or above including Maths or Physics OR BTEC National Certificate OR Diploma Level 3 in a STEM discipline at Grade Merit or Distinction.
• You will need to have a valid UK driving licence within the first 12 months of starting the programme.
  
  

You don’t need prior work experience; the determination and will to succeed is far more important as we will teach you everything you need to know. The role will provide you with a variety of skills including transferrable skills to support your career development within National Grid. 

What you’ll get

We are proud to offer a starting salary of £31,310 for this apprenticeship which will increase annually.

As a first step to your career in the energy industry, our Higher Apprenticeship programmes are like no other! You’ll gain an insight into how we work at National Grid, understand what a career with us can offer, and receive some great rewards and benefits:

• Upon successful completion of your 2 year apprenticeship, you will achieve a nationally recognised accredited qualification; a Level 4 HTQ in Electrical/ Electronic Engineering.
• 26 days annual leave + statutory holidays.
• Pension scheme and sharesave options.
• Flexible benefits including cycle to work, buy/sell holiday to name a few.
• Opportunity to enrol in our sharesave/share incentive plans.
• You’ll develop well-rounded skills through practical experience.
• A permanent position upon successful completion of your Apprenticeship

About National Grid

National Grid is at the heart of the energy future, and our people are at the heart of National Grid. We’re 30,000 colleagues strong. In the UK, National Grid doesn’t generate or sell energy – we join the dots to get energy from A to B. From making a cup of tea in the morning, to keeping the lights on in hospitals, our electricity network puts power in the hands of people. Without it, the world as we know it would grind to a halt.

The world of energy is changing beyond recognition as we focus on building a cleaner, greener future. Working at National Grid, you won’t just be touching the lives of almost everyone in the UK – you’ll be shaping the way we use and consume energy for generations to come.

Our Values and Principles

Diversity, equity, and inclusion are at the heart of who we are and what we do. Our commitment to these values is unwavering and they are central to our mission. We encourage applications from all backgrounds, communities and industries and we are happy to discuss any adjustments that you require.

Further Information

You can only apply for one Apprenticeship opportunity during this recruitment cycle.

We recruit on a rolling basis and reserve the right to close our vacancies once we have enough applications/based on volume of applications. We encourage you to apply as early as possible to ensure you obtain the place you want in the application process.

Assessment centres will be held between January - April 2026.

National Grid's Apprenticeship programme in the UK is 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