OHL Trainee

A new career at height — reskill into a specialist technical role

If you’re comfortable and/or experienced at height, enjoy working outdoors, and want to retrain into a highly skilled, future-proof profession, our Overhead Lines Training Scheme offers a clear and supported route into the electricity transmission industry.

Our brand new 12-month accelerated programme is designed specifically for career changers from related industries — people who already understand site safety, tools, and physical work, and are ready to apply those skills in a new, specialist environment helping keep electricity flowing across England and Wales. (Please review all information in advert)

Who this scheme is for?

This opportunity is ideal if you’re currently working in — or have experience in — areas such as:

• Construction or civil engineering
• Mechanical trades
• Telecoms, utilities, rail or highways
• Scaffolding, rope access, wind or tower work
• Armed forces or other safety-critical environments
• Hobbyist - Climbing

You don’t need previous overhead line experience — we’ll train you. What matters is that you bring practical ability, the right mindset, and you are comfortable or experienced at height.

About the scheme

The programme provides a clear, structured pathway into an Overhead Lines career, combining:

• On-the-job learning with experienced OHL teams
• Formal training at the National Grid Academy in Eakring (Nottinghamshire)
• Completion of a Level 3 Diploma
• Staged practical assessments and a competence portfolio
• Learn how to use working at height equipment such as hoists, rigging, slinging and mechanical plant

You’ll be supported throughout by dedicated overhead line trainers and on-site mentors, helping you transfer your existing skills into a new technical discipline. On successful completion, you’ll progress into a permanent Overhead Linesperson role.

We have positions at any of the locations below:

• West Boldon, South Tyneside
• Staythorpe, Newark On Trent
• Bushbury, Wolverhampton
• Stocking Pelham, Hertfordshire
• Fleet, Hampshire
• Iron Acton, Bristol
• Swansea
• Penwortham, Preston
• Leeds
• Pentir, North Wales
• Bramford, Ipswich
• Northfleet, Kent

What you’ll do as an Overhead Linesperson

At National Grid Overhead Linesperson’s play a critical role at the heart of the UK’s electricity transmission system, carrying out hands-on work high above the ground. Your role will include:

• Working at height on electricity transmission towers up to 50 metres (164ft)
• Inspecting, maintaining and repairing overhead line equipment
• Supporting fault response and system recovery
• Contributing to major infrastructure and upgrade projects
• Working as part of a close-knit team in outdoor, safety-critical environments
• Travelling up to 1.5 hours from your base, with opportunities to work nationally

This is a challenging, varied role where no two days are the same — offering real responsibility, teamwork and the chance to keep the UK powered.

Pay and Benefits

• A salary of £34,856 pa plus expenses for the 12 months
• Current salary on successful completion of the training scheme up to £42,448 pa
• Company vehicle, business use only
• Contribution Pension scheme up to max total 18%. 
• 26 days annual leave plus 8 bank holidays with option to buy/sell holidays. 
• More information on benefits - Benefits | National Grid Careers

What we’re looking for

• You can commit to 12 months training on a salary of £34,856 pa
• NVQ Level 2 (or equivalent) in Construction, Engineering, Telecoms or Mechanical discipline
• Comfortable and/or experience at height
• Practical skills
• A full UK driving licence
• A strong commitment to safety, quality and teamwork
• Willingness to travel within around 1.5 hours of your base location, with opportunities to work nationally
• You live within 30 minutes travel from chosen location

Assessment and next steps

This face-to-face approach allows us to assess practical skills safely and gives you a realistic insight into the role and environment.

• Assessment date: Monday to Friday 16 – 27 November 2026.  
• Time –  9.00am – 4.00pm.
• Assessment format: Face-to-face.
• Location: National Grid Training Academy, Kirklington Road, Eakring, Newark, Nottinghamshire, NG22 0DA.
• Travel – You’ll make your own way there, expenses will be paid up to £100 (keep all receipts).
• What to expect: Practical hand-skills, Colour Blindness and height-confidence assessments.
• Time commitment: Please allow a full day.
• Accommodation: We will pay for your accommodation if you are more than 2 hours travel from site.
• Interviews: Selected candidates who pass the assessment will be interviewed online via Teams
• Decision on assessment outcomes – December 26
• Training scheme start date – 25 January 2027