If you're a technical 'problem-solver' looking to build a career in engineering, then this programme - which includes study towards a Foundation Degree - will help develop your skills through a mix of practical work and academic study. It's an ideal first step towards a degree, without running up any student debt.

One of the world's largest investor-owned energy companies, National Grid owns and maintains the 'grid' of towers (pylons) and gas pipelines which carries energy across Britain. On this programme we 'grow our own' engineers, making sure they - and we - have the right skills to look after our transmission network both now, and well into the future. It's been developed with Aston University, making sure we get the academic/practical mix just right and will lead to a foundation degree in Electrical Power Engineering.

While you're studying, you'll be gaining experience on live projects, so that by the time you finish, you'll be ready to start work on some of the biggest and most complex engineering challenges you'll find in any industry.

We have opportunities in Construction, Field (in our substations), Power System Design & Planning, and Power System Operations. Training varies slightly from person to person but includes induction, study and managed field experience where you'll spend time out 'in the field' observing real-life situations, building up a portfolio of key practical experiences.

To join the Foundation Engineering Programme you will need one of the following qualifications:

- 2 A-levels grade A-C (including one in maths, physics, or engineering)
- BTEC Certificate Level 3 / Diploma / ONC in Electrical or Electrical & Electronic Engineering (Merit or above) It is essential that the Maths modules should be at Merit or above.
- HNC / HND in Electrical, Electronic or Mechanical Engineering
- Batchelors degree in Maths, Physics, Chemistry or any Engineering discipline..

Once you complete your Foundation Degree (and associated training), you will be a qualified engineer, with the specialist expertise needed to work on our extensive power systems portfolio. Depending on your interests, you could be involved in anything from designing the route of a new over head line cable to actually going out on site and fixing a fault on a substation.