National Grid Careers

Believe: Achieve - National Grid

Every action has an impact.

People and industry demand energy and, as the UK's largest utility business, we help supply it. With thousands of kilometres of overhead lines and gas pipelines, this is a huge engineering estate demanding a constant supply of talent. To meet this demand, we 'grow our own' on a number of programmes suitable for everyone from school-leavers through to 'career changers' and recent engineering graduates.

For more information go to: http://www.nationalgridcareers.com

Frequently Asked Questions

All technical development programmes

Q: Where would I be based?
A: Once you have decided if you are interested in applying for one of our technical development programmes you will be asked for your home post-code, this will allow us to inform you which of our locations you are eligible to apply for. If you do not live within the set catchment areas for one of our sites you will be asked if you are willing to relocate to be close nearby to a location.
Please note relocation would be at your own expense. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Advanced Apprenticeship

Q: Will I receive full pay whilst training?
A: Yes, you will receive an annual salary circa �11,500 plus 25 days holiday, pension, travelling expenses, driving lesson vouchers, overalls and equipment. Your salary increases to �18,000 at the end of the Apprenticeship.Q: What kind of people are you looking for?
A: Our apprentices include males and females, from a range of backgrounds, including school leavers, technical colleges, other apprenticeships (technical and non-technical) and related trades.For more information go to: http://www.nationalgrid.com/freshtalent -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Engineering Training Programme

Q: What is the salary for a Foundation Engineer?
A: Your starting salary will reflect your skills and experience, but the basic level is currently �22,000.Q: What are the entry requirements for a Foundation Engineer?
A: To join the Foundation Engineering Programme you will need one of the following qualifications:

2 A-Levels: Grades A - C (1 must be in either Maths, Physics or Engineering)

BTEC National Certificate Level 3 / Diploma / ONC in Electrical and Electronic Engineering: Merit or above (it is essential that the Math's modules should be at Merit or above)

HNC / HND in Electrical, Electronic or Mechanical Engineering

Bachelors degree in Maths, Physics, Chemistry or any Engineering discipline

Q: How many positions are you recruiting for this year?
A: We are looking for the following numbers of Foundation Engineers:

21 - Electricity Construction (various locations)

11 - Field / Substations (various locations)

7 - Power System Design & Planning (Warwick)

12 - Power System Operations (Berkshire)

These will start in September 2010.For more information go to: http://www.nationalgrid.com/freshtalent -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Construction Engineering Training Programme

Q: What is the Construction Engineer Training Programme?
A: Our gas distribution business is going through a period of immense change. We have committed to replacing old gas pipelines across the country, currently made of iron, with new plastic polyethylene pipes. In fact, any pipeline within 30 metres of a property must be replaced in 30 years. We've teamed up with other construction companies to meet this target. It's a massive challenge. And one that presents you with a unique opportunity.
Join us and, while you're working, you'll receive intensive training over two to four years to qualify as a Construction Engineer. For more information on the training you'll receive, click here.Q: What is the salary and benefits for a Construction Engineer Trainee?
A: In addition to a competitive salary (you'll be starting on �15,750), there are many benefits to joining National Grid. You'll receive a generous holiday entitlement of 25 days a year - plus eight bank holidays - and a good pension scheme. For more information on our generic benefits, browse through the benefits and flexible benefits pages in our UK Careers site.Q: What are the entry requirements for the Construction Engineer Training Programme?
A: Our Construction Engineer Training Programme is designed to be flexible so that you can join us with various different qualifications. The programme will vary in length, and your salary will depend on the level of qualifications that you join us with. We specifically look for people with the following qualifications:

5 GCSEs (grade A-C) including Maths, English Language and one from a Science / Technology / Engineering subject.
AND / OR

ONC Engineering (Civil, Construction, Building Services, Electrical and Mechanical) AND NVQ L3 Managerial qualification AND demonstrable leadership qualities.

Whatever your background, you'll need a full driving licence.For more information go to: http://www.nationalgrid.com/freshtalent -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Find out more from our people:

Michelle Moore - National Grid Apprenticeship programme - First call Engineer

Q: What does your job involve?
A: I'm one of National Grid's army of emergency response engineers. As a first call engineer, it's my job to attend and make safe gas escapes reported by the public.

Q: How long have you been working at National Grid?
A: Five yearsQ: What inspired you to study engineering?
A: After leaving school I had a series of administration and clerical jobs, but it was when I joined National Grid's metering division that I decided life behind a desk was not for me. I've always been a technically minded person so when the opportunity arose to join National Grid's apprentice scheme, I jumped at it.Q: Detail your career path so far
A: My training took two years and consisted of a great deal of classroom work, practical exercises and assessments. At the end of it I had my City & Guilds and NVQ level 3 qualifications. This was followed by a period of on-job training where I partnered one of my colleagues, but now I am fully qualified and can attend jobs on my own.Q: Would you encourage others to consider an engineering career?
A: Yes. I'm very glad I moved into engineering. I now have a very responsible and enjoyable job and the prospect of a long-term career. I'm hoping to do more training to move away from domestic work and into the commercial and industrial work. After that, I can look at moving into a managerial role.
I've used my training to promote gas safety to school children. Each year I talk to hundreds of youngsters at Survive Alive safety events where I tell them what to do if they find a gas escape.Q: How would you sum up your job in three words?
A: Challenging, interesting and thoroughly enjoyableFor more information go to: http://www.nationalgrid.com/freshtalent-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Reme Chikwanha Foundation Engineer - National Grid

27 year old Reme works for National Grid as a Foundation Engineer, he has been in this role since 2008. We asked him what his job entails and what it is like working for National Grid.Q: What is your educational background?
A: After leaving college in Zimbabwe, Reme moved to the UK to study an HND in Electrical and Electronic Engineering at Milton Keynes College.Q: What were you doing previously?
A: This is Reme's first job following his educational studies.Q: How did you get into this industry?
A: Reme has always enjoyed the challenges offered by technical subjects and in 2008 Reme applied to National Grid to enter their Foundation Engineer programme.Q: What training/qualifications have you done with your job?
A: Reme is currently training to become a Field Engineer and aims to complete his programme by September 2010. He is also studying for a Foundation Degree at Aston University and plans to complete this by July 2010.Q: What do you do on a day-to-day basis?
A: Around 40% of Reme's time at the moment is spent in the classroom. However, he undertakes plenty of hands-on activities in the field, particularly in relation to assisting electrical fitters carry out their maintenance work.Q: What are your main responsibilities?
A: As Reme is a trainee at the moment his responsibilities are limited to assisting experienced fitters in the field and in undertaking specific project-related activities.Q: What do you enjoy most about your job?
A: Reme enjoys the challenges that the job provides him as well as taking satisfaction from the fact that his efforts are helping society. He is also looking forward to taking up some of the wealth of opportunities that are open to him at National Grid - "you can set your own limits"!Q: What do you like least?
A: There are very few things that Reme dislikes about his job, although being out in all weathers isn't something that looks forward to as much as other aspects of his job.Q: What advice would you give to someone who wants to work in this industry?
A: Engineering in general is lacking enthusiastic young people and there are lots of opportunities open to people who are looking to make a difference in the world. Being on the Foundation Engineer programme also gives you an opportunity to learn something you enjoy while being paid! And you do really learning new every day.Q: What do you like doing in your spare time/ do you have any hobbies?
A: In his spare time Reme enjoys socialising with his friends, going to the cinema and going to the gym.For more information go to: http://www.nationalgrid.com/freshtalent