Jointer Advanced Apprentice, National Grid Electricity Distribution (Northampton/Milton Keynes)

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 the wider business.
• Adventurous and driven to work outdoors in all weather.
• Safety awareness and commitment to following safety instructions, using protective equipment and wearing protective clothing.
• Resilient and willing to learn, genuinely passionate about your career and committed to studying.
• Curious problem solvers.

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.

Important Notes:

• Electrical Installation qualifications are not accepted as an equivalent to Electrical Engineering qualifications.
• Evidence of your qualification certificates will be required prior to appointment.
• You will be required to successfully complete a basic DBS check.

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 can only submit one application.

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:
  • Year 2: £24,938
  • Year 2.5 (Development Role): £32,473
  • Year 3: £37,770
  • Completion: £43,491
• Qualification: Upon successful completion, you will achieve a City & Guilds Level 3 Diploma in Electrical Power Engineering.
• 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.
• 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.

About National Grid

National Grid is the UK’s critical energy infrastructure company, operating the electricity network and infrastructure that connects millions of people to the energy they use every day. National Grid Electricity Distribution (NGED) serves communities of more than 8 million people across the Midlands, Southwest of England, and South Wales.

We are investing in the next generation of talent, giving apprentices the opportunity to learn from experts, gain hands-on experience and contribute to work that matters from day one.

More Information

You can apply for only one opportunity across all Early Careers and Career Changer programmes. Please choose the one that best matches your interests and career goals.

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

Applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK without requiring sponsorship now or in the future. In exceptional circumstances, National Grid may consider offering sponsorship for specialist skills not available locally.