Jointer Advanced Apprentice, National Grid Electricity Distribution (Derby)

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 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

• 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 colleagues, customers and internal stakeholders.
• Adventurous and driven to work outdoors in all weather.
• Safety awareness (following safety instructions, using protective equipment and wearing protective clothing).
• 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.

*Alternatively, 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.

• Evidence of qualification certificates will be required prior to appointment.
• Successful completion of a basic DBS check.

Start Date

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

Location

• You must live within a 30-minute journey of the depot.
• Initial 12 weeks of training will require you to stay away from home at Tipton Training Centre, Eakring Training Centre, and Loughborough College. Accommodation, travel, and food/drink allowance will be provided.
• Further training will involve less frequent stays away from home.

What You'll Get In Return

• Starting salary of £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
• Upon successful completion of your three-year apprenticeship, you will achieve a City & Guilds Level 3 Diploma 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.
• 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 courses in Eakring.
• Practical workplace learning and role-related project work.
• Leads to a City & Guilds Level 2 & 3 Diploma in Electrical Power Engineering.

Important Information

• You can apply for only one opportunity across all Early Careers and Career Changer programmes.
• Applications are on a rolling basis and may close early once enough applications are received. Apply as early as possible.
• Applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK without requiring sponsorship now or in the future.