Electricity Network Planning & Design Higher Apprentice - System Planning

Our Distribution System Operator (DSO) is responsible for a number of key outputs to help shape the future development of NGED’s distribution network as we head towards a net zero future. The DSO take a strategic approach to the changes in customers' needs, and use state of the art modelling and innovative solutions (such as flexibility) to ensure that NGED can continue to run an economic, efficient and reliable network for our customers.

Strategic Planners, within the Secondary System Planning Team, are responsible for the wide-scale analysis of NGED’s networks, at voltage levels from 230 to 11,000 volts; the identification of any limitations within these networks; the determination of optimal solutions; and directing the delivery of these solutions ahead of our customers’ need.

Our people in Network Services work across a number of teams to keep the lights on for our customers. They might be helping a customer who has lost supply or supporting a developer building a multi-million pound project. 

They maintain a 24/7 service from faults and maintenance, asset replacement to new connections, working outdoors with underground cables, overhead lines and substations that operate between 230 and 132,000 volts, their work is critical to everything we do. 

 

The role of a Planning & Design Trainee involves detailed technical discussions with customers, architects, public authorities and landowners together with a sound and pragmatic appreciation of complex engineering problems. Applicants must be personable and approachable, with a firm understanding of engineering and financial matters. 

The training programme provides on-the-job training and formal courses held in one of our Training Centres at either Taunton or Tipton, over a period of approximately two years (depending on entry level qualifications). Successful candidates will also be expected to study for and achieve a higher-level qualification. The majority of the on-the-job training will take place within local teams, but you may be required to undertake placements at other locations across the National Grid service area, so you need to be flexible and able to travel. 

The apprenticeship programme takes around three years to complete, and you’ll spend your first 10 - 12 weeks being inducted onto the programme at one of our Training Centres. You’ll earn while you learn and develop your knowledge, skills and behaviours to become a Network Planner, a higher-level qualification. Your Training will include vocational and academic courses along with periods of on-the-job training and development, learning from an experienced and qualified Network Planner. Following a formal assessment of your knowledge, skills and behaviours, you’ll join the Secondary System Planning Team, in the DSO, as a Strategic Planner.

As you will be studying for a higher-level qualification, you will be required to undertake placements with your training provider for up to two weeks at a time during the first two years. Accommodation and travel costs will be provided. 

You'll become integral to the company offering many benefits who offer a supportive working environment, providing you the skills to make robust decisions and successfully deliver essential works. We are committed to investing in the latest technologies and working methods to improve service to customers. Ready to power up your career? Join us and you'll learn all about designing, costing and quoting projects for new electricity supplies. 

In this role you will:

Be responsible for the design, costing and quoting of projects Explore new electricity supplies Be responsible for the replacement, diversion & reinforcement of existing electricity network assets. 

Locational available: All NGED locations

 

Training:

Working towards a Level 4 Electrical power networks engineer apprenticeship standard.

Training Outcome:
You’ll become a qualified Network Planning & Design Engineer

Employer Description:
We’re National Grid Electricity Distribution (NGED), the owner and operator behind the electricity distribution systems for the Midlands, the Southwest of England and South Wales. Serving communities of more than 8 million people, our expert teams deliver heat, light and power for homes and businesses, working outdoors with underground cables, overhead lines and substations that operate between 230 and 132,000 volts. Net-zero targets are transforming the way we work and increasing the scope of the positive impact we can make. Right now, we’re looking for apprentices to join us.  Our people in Network Services work across a number of teams to keep the lights on for our customers. They might be helping a customer who has lost supply or supporting a developer building a multi-million pound project. They maintain a 24/7 service from faults and maintenance, asset replacement to new connections, working outdoors with underground cables, overhead lines and substations that operate between 230 and 132,000 volts, their work is critical to everything we do.

Working Hours :
Monday to Friday 9am- 5:30pm

Skills:
Communication skills,Attention to detail,Organisation skills,Customer care skills,Problem solving skills,Number skills,Analytical skills,Logical,Team working,Initiative,Adventurous,Safety awareness,Resilient