Jointer Advanced Apprentice, National Grid Electricity Distribution (Exeter/Torquay)

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, 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; your success relies on your confidence to interact with the wider business.
• Adventurous and driven to work in all weather conditions.
• 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.

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, you can 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.

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

• 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, and an allowance for food and drinks will be provided.

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 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.
• Includes study at Taunton & Bridgewater College, specialist training at National Grid's Training Centre in Taunton, and some courses in Eakring.
• Leads to a City & Guilds Level 2 & 3 Diploma in Electrical Power Engineering.