Understanding National Grid Training: Courses, Requirements & Industry Benefits

As the UK’s energy infrastructure continues to evolve, the need for consistent safety practices, operational excellence, and regulatory compliance remains critical. National Grid training plays a key role in maintaining these standards, equipping professionals with the knowledge and skills required to work safely and competently on or near National Grid assets.

This article explores the types of training available, what they’re used for, and how they support individuals and organisations across the energy and utilities sectors.

What Is National Grid Training?

National Grid training courses are structured learning programmes designed to ensure that personnel working on National Grid Electricity Transmission owned high-voltage infrastructure, substations, overhead lines, or within specific engineering environments are fully compliant with safety rules and technical procedures laid out by the National Grid.

These courses are required for a variety of roles, including:

• Substation workers for example - civils, fitters, wiremen, electricians
• Engineers managing impressed voltages
• PC Rep, LCDAE, CDAE, PD Rep, Commissioning Technicians, Commissioning Engineers
• Project designers and contractors
• Person, Authorised Person and Competent Person working under NG Safety Rules or adjacent to live infrastructure

Many roles require certification in specific procedures, such as applying drain earths, conducting safe excavations, or working under Permit to Work systems.

Key Types of National Grid Training

1. Person, Competent Person and Authorised Person Training

These courses ensure individuals understand and can safely apply National Grid’s Safety Rules. Topics include:

• Understanding National Grid Safety Rules, Documentation and Roles
• Understanding National Safety Instructions (NSIs)
• Application of earths and drain earths (NSI 2 Limited)

2. Impressed Voltage Awareness

High-voltage environments can carry residual voltages. This training supports engineers, managers, and planning teams in identifying, mitigating, and working safely around impressed voltages using ECP/EAP procedures.

3. NG Person Courses

Required for anyone accessing National Grid Electricity Transmission substations and overhead lines, these modules cover essential safety practices, hazard identification, and entry requirements.

4. Safe Digging and Underground Services (HSG47)

This course provides essential training in identifying and avoiding underground hazards, such as cables and pipes, using CAT & Genny tools and best-practice excavation techniques. A must-have for any groundwork or civil engineering teams operating near utilities.  Pragmatic deliver this in Live Substation environments and explain National Grid’s SR163 Dafe Digging requirements

5. Project-Specific or Role-Based Modules

Courses like the CDAE, LCDAE & PD Rep, PC Rep are tailored for those with design and site manager responsibilities under the Supplier Requirements. Others include preparation modules for restoration of motive power or early-stage awareness for those about to become Competent Persons.

Why Is This Training Important?

Safety

High-voltage systems carry serious risks. Formal training helps mitigate incidents and ensures workers understand their responsibilities under National Grid’s strict safety protocols.

Legal & Regulatory Compliance

Many roles require certification as part of site access protocols or compliance with UK law and health & safety standards. Failure to certify staff can result in project delays, fines, or worse.

Workforce Readiness

Whether you’re a contractor joining a National Grid Electricity Transmission project or an employer looking to prepare your staff for site mobilisation, training ensures your team can start work confidently and compliantly. 

Please Note: At peak periods there can be a longer lead time for training.

Accessing Training

Courses are typically delivered in-person due to the practical nature of the subject matter. Training providers like Pragmatic Consulting offer sessions across the UK at locations including Warwickshire, Manchester, South Wales, and book training at Eakring, Blackley, Graveley, Littlebrook and Melksham (for specific National Grid-only courses).

Employers in the construction and utilities sectors may also be eligible for partial funding through initiatives such as the CITB Employer Network.

Final Thoughts

National Grid training is not just about ticking compliance boxes, it’s about embedding a culture of safety, technical competence, and accountability in high-risk environments. Whether you’re managing a substation, installing overhead lines, or planning major electrical infrastructure, having the right training is a legal requirement, and an investment in your team’s long-term safety and capability.

You can view our full list of National Grid Training Courses here.

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