Jointer Advanced Apprentice, National Grid Electricity Distribution (Bodmin)

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 3 Qualification in Electrical Power Engineering. Your training will include periods of on-the-job training and development, learning from an experienced and qualified Jointer. Following a formal assessment of your knowledge, skills and behaviours, you’ll become a qualified Jointer yourself.

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

What You'll Do

Join us, and we’ll see you participate in craft skills activities on the LV, HV and EHV (Low, High & Extremely high voltage) network. You’ll help with network operations, connect generators and services and organise your own projects. You’ll also:

• 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; your success relies on your confidence to interact with the wider business.
• Adventurous and driven to work in all weather, as you’ll be working outdoors.
• Safety awareness is a must, as is meeting deadlines.
• Resilient and willing to learn, genuinely passionate about your career and committed to studying. Curious problem solvers thrive here.

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.

You can also apply with a recognised Level 3 qualification in Electrical Engineering plus GCSE Grade C/4 or above in Maths and English. Electrical Installation qualifications are not accepted as an equivalent to Electrical Engineering qualifications.

If you are offered a position, you will be required to successfully complete a basic DBS check.

Start date: September 2027. You will be unable to take annual leave during the first 12 weeks of training.

Location

Operationally, 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 Taunton Training Centre, Eakring Training Centre, and Taunton & Bridgewater 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 + statutory holidays (26 days upon completion of training).
• 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.
• 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, helping you develop the skills required for a career in the electricity distribution industry.

Your development programme will include:

• Study at Taunton & Bridgewater College alongside dedicated time for coursework and assessments.
• Specialist training at National Grid's Training Centre in Taunton, 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

We recruit on a rolling basis and may close vacancies early once enough applications are received. We encourage you to apply as early as possible.

Applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK without requiring sponsorship.