Control Systems Apprentice

About Us

We’re National Grid Electricity Distribution (NGED), the owner and operator behind the electricity distribution systems for the Midlands, the South West 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.

6,700 colleagues share our vision to be at the heart of a clean, fair, affordable energy future. If this appeals to you too, you could soon work in a supportive, rewarding and friendly environment that empowers everyone to succeed. We live by our values of doing the right thing, finding a better way and using our drive to make things happen every day. That’s why we’ll help you build a worthwhile career to be proud of – whatever your role and passion. Together we can bring energy to life using your enthusiasm and the latest technology.

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 a Control Systems Apprentice.

Job Introduction

The Control Systems team are looking for an apprentice to join their team in Bristol, who can develop the knowledge, skills and understanding required to embark on an exciting career with National Grid Electricity Distribution (NGED). The team are key players in shaping the strategy for becoming a Distribution System Operator.

They are responsible for management, functionality and development of all real time computer systems used to manage the electricity networks. Effective liaison with internal customers and external contractors, at a variety of management levels, is a key part of delivering these services so the ability to communicate clearly and build relationships is also very important.

You will undertake a Digital & Technology Solutions Degree Apprenticeship, which will culminate in gaining a BSc in Digital & Technology Solutions from Weston College. Over a 4 year period, we will provide a mix of vocational work-based training and formal courses, held as part of our internal training functions. This will mean you need to be flexible to travel, either staying away as part of studying at university or internal training and development throughout the business.  

Rewarding success and development is important to us and as part of this role you’ll receive annual salary increases.

You will be required to undertake and successfully complete a BS7858 security screening check prior to commencement on the training scheme. You will also be required to successfully complete Security Clearance (SC). Security Clearance requires proof of spent and unspent convictions, a credit and financial history check and a Security Service (MI5) check.

* Please note we reserve the right to close the vacancy early if sufficient numbers of suitable applications are received.

Main Responsibilities

The role will involve maintaining and updating the control systems and supporting other teams with updating the network along with administration and database management. You will get involved in projects to implement innovation such as low carbon solutions. Of course it is essential to keep our network secure so we also implement and maintain cyber security practices.

The Ideal Candidate

What are we looking for? Well, we would love you to:

• Have a keen interest in current and new technology. Experience in coding, databases and IT systems will be an advantage 
• Be eager to learn and pro-active with your development
• Have efficient time management and be self-organised
• Work well within a team but also be highly self-motivated and great at problem solving!
• Be willing to work towards achieving a technology based degree as part of the  apprenticeship
• Be flexible, intuitive and ready to learn

The majority of the job role is office based and there will be opportunities to travel throughout the company and across the UK to gain a real insight into every aspect of what we do to succeed.  You will therefore need to be flexible and willing to travel.

Successful candidates will hold or expect to achieve at least two ‘A’ levels at grades A* - D, one of which must be in one of the following subjects:

Mathematics, Physics, ICT, Computing or Design and Technology.

Alternatively, relevant Level 3 or Level 4 qualifications will be considered. Please ensure that you provide details of your qualifications within your application and be prepared to provide evidence of these qualifications upon request.

About The Company

If you join us you will enjoy a package of benefits designed to reward your hard work and incentivise your ambition. In addition to your competitive salary, we offer a competitive contributory pension scheme where the company will double match your pension contributions up to a maximum company contribution of 10%. You will also have access, subject to eligibility criteria, to join our annual Share Save plan.

You will be entitled to 23 days annual leave entitlement, plus 8 bank holidays rising to 26 days on completion of training. Protective clothing and Safety Equipment will be provided where required and we offer free parking at all main sites. In addition, you will be able to access support via our Employee Assistance Programme, including musculoskeletal and physiotherapy services.

As an equal opportunities employer who is committed to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, we celebrate individual difference and are actively bringing in more employees from diverse backgrounds to build on our inclusive culture. We anonymise all jobs in our recruitment system, so we can eliminate unconscious bias and be a workplace that reflects the community we serve. Hiring managers only have access to necessary information after shortlisting has taken place and before interview so they can prepare.

Additional Application Information

Recruitment correspondence is usually sent by email, so please do check your email account including spam/junk folders regularly after the closing date.

To enhance your candidate experience, we recommend using Google Chrome to complete your online application. Should you have any questions regarding this or require additional support to complete your online application, please email nged.recruitment@nationalgrid.co.uk

We reserve the right to close the vacancy early should sufficient numbers of suitable applications be received. We recommend that you submit your application as soon as possible.