Degree Apprenticeship - Control Systems

About Us

The power behind a network that nearly 8 million people rely on every day, the Western Power team works collectively and collaboratively to serve our communities. Not only are we the largest electricity distribution network operator in the UK, we also strive to be the best. So every one of our 6,500 people works with passion and purpose, energy and ambition, whatever their role in maintaining, repairing and upgrading the electricity network.

Western Power Distribution is an equal opportunities employer, a Disability Level 1 Employer and a corporate signatory of WISE (Women in Science and Engineering) programme. Our desire is to bring in more employees from diverse backgrounds to build further on our inclusive culture. We value and celebrate individual difference and we believe that an inclusive culture will help the business grow as a positive, strong and innovative company.

Job Introduction

The Control Systems team are looking for an apprentice who can develop the knowledge, skills and understanding required to embark on an exciting career with Western Power. 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.

We will provide formal training over a four year period, which will culminate in gaining a BSc in Digital & Technology Solutions from Aston University. There will also be a mix of vocational work-based training and formal courses held as part of our internal training functions at one of our Training Schools in Taunton or Tipton or other institutions as appropriate.  This will mean being able 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.

Candidates who have applied for this role within the last 3 months need not reapply.

If you are offered a position, you will be required to complete and provide a satisfactory basic DBS check that shows any unspent convictions or conditional cautions.

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.

Training will be provided over a period of approximately four years. It will be a mix of on-the-job and formal courses held at one of our Training Centres in Taunton or Tipton (and occasionally other institutions as appropriate.

About The Company

If this is your opportunity to join us, you’ll find we offer a supportive, rewarding and friendly working environment where you’ll be empowered to build a career. Along the way, you’ll be invested in, be enabled by the latest technology and find that we’re always interested in evolving our systems and processes so that we get even better, every day.

In return, you’ll 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.

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 recruitment@westernpower.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.