This is our own independent research from public sources. The employer hasn't reviewed, paid for or approved it.
Key figures
- Entry salary, plus an annual bonus depending on role, with set milestones for pay rises
- £17,383
- Source: NIE Networks (opens in a new tab)
- Salary for apprentices who complete the programme and move into a permanent role
- £31,500+
- Source: NIE Networks (opens in a new tab)
- Length of the apprenticeship programmes in the 2026 recruitment campaign
- 2–3 years
- Source: NIE Networks (opens in a new tab)
- Apprentices who have qualified with NIE Networks over five decades, with around 50 enrolled now
- 650+
- Source: NIE Networks (opens in a new tab)
Overview
NIE Networks owns the cables, lines and substations that carry electricity to 966,000 homes, businesses and farms across Northern Ireland. It’s been training apprentices for over 50 years, and more than 650 have qualified with it.
The apprenticeships
The programme is accredited by the IET (the Institution of Engineering and Technology) and recognised by Northern Ireland’s Department for the Economy. Each year NIE Networks recruits for one or more roles. In 2026 these were:
| Role | What you’ll do |
|---|---|
| Overhead Linesperson | Build and maintain overhead lines, working at height |
| Plant Maintenance Electrician | Maintain equipment in substations |
| Underground Cable Jointer | Joint cables for new connections and major projects |
| Plant Workshop Electrical and Mechanical Fitter | Repair and build equipment at the workshop in Silverwood, Lurgan |
The apprenticeships take two to three years. You learn on the job and on day release at a partner technical college, gaining qualifications from Level 2 to Level 3 in electrical power engineering.
Pay
You start on £17,383 a year, plus an annual bonus depending on your role, with pay rises at set milestones. The apprenticeship is a fixed-term training contract. When you finish, you can apply for a permanent role, with pay rising to £31,500 or more.
Who can apply
You need to:
- be 16 by the September start date
- have, or expect, at least 3 GCSEs at grade A* to D (or equivalent), including maths, English and a STEM subject
- have a full driving licence, or be willing to get one as soon as possible
- live within 30 miles of one of the team locations: Omagh, Enniskillen, Craigavon, Belfast, Campsie, Silverwood or Ballymena
Because the network runs 24/7, you’ll also need to be flexible about helping out in storms and other bad weather.
What they do
Northern Ireland Electricity Networks (NIE Networks) owns the electricity transmission and distribution networks in Northern Ireland, carrying electricity to 966,000 customers. It doesn't sell electricity; it maintains and extends the network and connects customers to it.
Apprenticeships at NIE Networks
-
Overhead Linesperson
Overhead line network
Building, maintaining and refurbishing the distribution and transmission overhead lines. You need to be comfortable working at height.
-
Plant Maintenance Electrician
Substations
Maintaining, refurbishing, building and decommissioning equipment in transmission and distribution substations.
-
Underground Cable Jointer
Underground cables
Cable jointing for new customer connections, major projects and the network investment programme.
-
Plant Workshop Electrical and Mechanical Fitter
Plant Workshop, Silverwood (Lurgan)
Maintaining, refurbishing and building equipment that comes through the workshop.
Pay calculator
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Career areas
NIE Networks entry requirements
- All apprenticeships
- At least 3 GCSEs, including maths, English and a STEM subject, at grade A* to D (or equivalent), achieved or expected.
- All apprenticeships
- A full driving licence, or be willing to get one as soon as possible.
Who can apply
- You must be 16 by the September start date.
- You need to live within 30 miles of one of the team locations (Omagh, Enniskillen, Craigavon, Belfast, Campsie, Silverwood or Ballymena), measured by the AA Route Planner's shortest route.
- The apprenticeship is a fixed-term training contract. After it, you can apply for permanent roles.
Our tips for NIE Networks
- The GCSE requirement is grade D or above, lower than many employers, but you need a STEM subject as well as maths and English.
- Check the 30-mile rule before you apply. Your home needs to be within 30 miles of one of the seven team locations.
- The network runs 24/7, so expect to help out in storms and other bad weather, sometimes outside normal hours. Being honest that you're up for this will help at interview.
- NIE Networks says it looks at more than qualifications: health and safety focus, teamwork, communication and problem solving all count. Have examples ready.
Summary
- NIE Networks runs Northern Ireland's electricity network and has trained apprentices for over 50 years.
- Its 2026 apprenticeships train overhead linespeople, substation electricians, cable jointers and workshop fitters over 2 to 3 years.
- Pay starts at £17,383 plus a bonus, rising to £31,500+ for those who move into a permanent role.
- You need 3 GCSEs at grade D or above, including maths, English and a STEM subject, and a driving licence or plans to get one.
Related video
NIE Networks Apprentice Emma talks through her time as an Apprentice Overhead Lines Apprentice.
Questions about NIE Networks apprenticeships
How many apprentices has NIE Networks trained?
More than 650 over five decades, with around 50 enrolled now. Its apprenticeship programme is accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET).
How much do NIE Networks apprentices get paid?
The entry salary is £17,383, plus an annual bonus depending on role and set milestones for pay rises. Apprentices who complete the programme and move into a permanent role can rise to £31,500 or more.
What GCSEs do you need for an NIE Networks apprenticeship?
At least 3 GCSEs at grade A* to D (or equivalent), including maths, English and a STEM subject. You can apply with expected grades. Our Northern Ireland guide explains how apprenticeships work there.
How long is the NIE Networks apprenticeship?
Two to three years, depending on the role. You learn on the job and on day release at a partner technical college, with qualifications from Level 2 to Level 3 in electrical power engineering.
Do you need a driving licence for NIE Networks?
You need a full driving licence, or to be willing to get one as soon as possible. You also need to live within 30 miles of one of its seven team locations.
Which other energy companies offer apprenticeships?
SSE runs apprenticeships in power networks and renewables. Compare them in our energy and utilities table.
Sources and review
Last reviewed . Details can change after this date, so check the official source before you rely on them.
- 2026 Apprenticeship Roles Specification (opens in a new tab) Describes the 2026 recruitment campaign. Roles recruited change each year.