Jointer Advanced Apprentice, National Grid Electricity Distribution (Alfreton/Retford)

The apprenticeship programme takes approximately three years to complete. You’ll earn while you learn and develop your knowledge, skills and behaviours to become a Power Networks Craftsperson, achieving a City & Guilds Level 2 Qualification in Electrical Engineering. Your training will include periods of on-the-job training and development, learning from an experienced and qualified Jointer. Following a formal assessment, you’ll become a qualified Jointer.

Jointers are underground cable engineers who carry out excavation, cable laying, reinstatement and fault location on LV cables.

What You'll Do

• Participate in craft skills activities on the LV, HV and EHV (Low, High & Extremely high voltage) network.
• Help with network operations, connect generators and services, and organise your own projects.
• Construct distribution substations, excavate, lay and joint cables, and terminate cables to plant.
• Carry out routine inspection, locate faults and carry out repairs on underground cables and equipment.
• Record asset details and positions.
• Locate and identify cables, test insulation, phasing and continuity.
• Test earthing, voltage, phasing and phase rotation.
• Carry out switching operations on the LV network.
• Connect Generators.
• Organise your own projects.

What You'll Need to Apply

• Excellent communication skills.
• Willingness to work outdoors in all weather conditions.
• Safety awareness and commitment to following safety instructions and wearing protective clothing.
• Resilience and a passion for your career and commitment to studying.
• Curiosity and problem-solving skills.

Minimum Entry Criteria:

• GCSE English Language at Grade A*-C/9-4 or Level 2 Functional/Key Skills English.
• GCSE Mathematics at Grade A*-C/9-4 or Level 2 Functional/Key Skills Maths.
• GCSE Science at Grade A*-C/9-4 or BTEC Science Level 2 equivalent.
• Two other GCSE's A*-C/9-4 or Level 2 qualifications in any subject.

Alternatively, a recognised Level 3 qualification in Electrical Engineering plus GCSE Grade C/4 or above in Maths and English is accepted. Electrical Installation qualifications are not accepted as an equivalent to Electrical Engineering qualifications.

Evidence of your qualification certificates will be required prior to appointment.

A basic DBS check is required.

Start Date

September 2027. No annual leave is permitted during the first 12 weeks of training.

Location

Operationally, you must live within a 30-minute journey of the depot you are applying for. You will regularly need to stay away from home for the initial 12 weeks of training at Tipton Training Centre, Eakring Training Centre, and Loughborough College. Accommodation, travel, and an allowance for food and drinks will be provided. Staying away from home will be less frequent for the remainder of your training.

What You'll Get In Return

• Starting salary of £19,366, with annual increases throughout the programme, reaching up to £43,491 upon completion.
• Upon successful completion of your three-year apprenticeship, you will achieve a nationally recognised accredited qualification: City & Guilds Level 3 in Electrical Power Engineering.
• 23 days annual leave (26 upon completion of training) + statutory holidays.
• Competitive pension scheme (Double matched up to 12%).
• Protective clothing and safety equipment supplied.
• Flexible benefits including cycle to work and holiday buy/sell schemes.
• Opportunity to participate in Sharesave and Share Incentive Plans.
• Development of well-rounded skills through practical experience.
• Employee Assistance Programme including musculoskeletal and physiotherapy services.
• A permanent position upon successful completion of your apprenticeship.

About the Apprenticeship Programme

This is a 36-month Level 3 Power Industry Jointer Advanced Apprenticeship. The programme combines technical study, National Grid training, and practical workplace experience.

Your development programme will include:

• Study at Loughborough College.
• Specialist training at National Grid's Training Centre in Tipton, and some courses in Eakring.
• Practical Workplace learning and role-related project work.
• A City & Guilds Level 2 & 3 Diploma in Electrical Power Engineering.

More Information

We recruit on a rolling basis and may close vacancies early once enough applications are received. Applying as early as possible is encouraged.

Applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK without requiring sponsorship now or in the future. National Grid is unable to offer sponsorship in most cases.