Jointer Advanced Apprentice, National Grid Electricity Distribution (Birmingham)

The apprenticeship programme takes approximately three years to complete. You will 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; confidence to interact with customers, colleagues and internal stakeholders.
• Adventurous and driven to work outdoors in all weather.
• Safety awareness (following safety instructions, using protective equipment and wearing protective clothing) and meeting deadlines.
• Resilience and willingness to learn, with a genuine passion for your career and commitment to studying.
• Curious 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.

Alternative Entry:

• A recognised Level 3 qualification in Electrical Engineering plus GCSE Grade C/4 or above in Maths and English.

Note: Electrical Installation qualifications are not accepted as an equivalent to Electrical Engineering qualifications. Evidence of qualification certificates will be required prior to appointment.

Additional Requirements:

• Successful completion of a basic DBS check.

Start Date: September 2027.

Training: The first 12 weeks will involve induction at a Training Centre, with no annual leave accommodated during this period.

Location

• You must live within a 30-minute journey of the depot you are applying for.
• For the initial 12 weeks, you will regularly need to stay away from home to attend training at Tipton Training Centre, Eakring Training Centre, and Loughborough College. Accommodation, travel costs, and an allowance for food and drinks will be provided.
• You will still stay away from home for the rest of your training period, but it will be far less frequent.

What You'll Get In Return

• Starting Salary: £19,366, with annual increases throughout the programme:
  • Year 2: £24,938
  • Year 2.5 (Development Role): £32,473
  • Year 3: £37,770
  • Completion: £43,491
• Qualification: City & Guilds Level 3 in Electrical Power Engineering upon successful completion.
• Annual Leave: 23 days (26 upon completion of training) + statutory holidays.
• Pension: Competitive 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

• A 36-month Level 3 Power Industry Jointer Advanced Apprenticeship.
• Combines technical study, National Grid training, and practical workplace experience.
• Development includes:
  • 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.

Important Application Information

• You can apply for only one opportunity across all Early Careers and Career Changer programmes.
• We recruit on a rolling basis and may close vacancies early once we have enough applications. Apply as early as possible.
• 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.