Trainee Design Engineer Higher Apprentice - Castle Donington

Assist in designing substations operating at voltages up to 132,000 volts Develop layouts and configurations for physical substation components (e.g., transformers, switchgear, busbars) Create detailed project-specific designs, drawings, and specifications Prepare schedules and bills of materials for equipment and installation Ensure compliance with operational standards and safety regulations Work closely with senior engineers and project teams to ensure designs meet client and regulatory requirements

Training:

The training programme provides on-the-job training and formal courses held in one of our Training Centre’s 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. 
 
You will progress towards the role of an engineer within Engineering Design and the apprenticeship programme takes around five years to complete. 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 an Electrical Designer, achieving a higher-level qualification (if not already achieved). Your Training will include vocational and academic courses along with placements across our service areas. During these placements you will undertake managed office or field-based training with a team where you can put your new skills into practice. 

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



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, 9.00am - 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


  • Location: Herald Way East Midlands Airport, Castle Donington Derby DE74 2TU
  • Type: Permanent
  • Recruiter: NATIONAL GRID ELECTRICITY DISTRIBUTION (SOUTH WEST) PLC
  • Posted: 11-Dec-2025
  • Posted on: findapprenticeship.service.gov.uk