Jointer Advanced Apprentice, National Grid Electricity Distribution (Radstock/Weston)
National GridKey Takeaways
- Undertake a 3-year Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship in Electrical Power Engineering.
- Earn a starting salary of £19,366, rising to £43,491 upon completion.
- Gain practical experience in underground cable engineering, fault finding, and repairs.
- Requires GCSEs in English, Maths, Science, and two other subjects, or a Level 3 in Electrical Engineering.
- Start date September 2027; initial 12 weeks require staying away for training.
About the Role
About the Apprenticeship
This apprenticeship programme lasts approximately three years, leading to a City & Guilds Level 3 Qualification in Electrical Power Engineering. You will earn while you learn, developing the skills and knowledge to become a Power Networks Craftsperson.
Your training will involve periods at a Training Centre and extensive on-the-job experience, learning from experienced Jointers. Upon successful assessment, you will qualify as a Jointer.
Jointers are responsible for underground cable engineering, including 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 network.
- Assist with network operations, connect generators and services, and manage your own projects.
- Construct distribution substations.
- Excavate, lay, and joint cables, and terminate cables to plant.
- Conduct routine inspections, locate faults, and perform repairs on underground cables and equipment.
- Record asset details and positions.
- Locate and identify cables, and perform insulation, phasing, and continuity tests.
- Test earthing, voltage, phasing, and phase rotation.
- Carry out switching operations on the LV network.
- Connect Generators.
Entry Requirements
- GCSEs: English Language, Mathematics, Science (all at Grade A*-C/9-4 or equivalent Level 2 Functional/Key Skills), plus two other GCSEs at Grade A*-C/9-4 or Level 2 qualifications.
- Alternatively: A recognised Level 3 qualification in Electrical Engineering, plus GCSE Grade C/4 or above in Maths and English.
- Skills: Excellent communication, adventurousness to work outdoors in all weather, strong safety awareness, resilience, a willingness to learn, and problem-solving skills.
- DBS Check: A basic DBS check is required, showing no unspent convictions or conditional cautions.
Important Dates
- Start Date: September 2027.
- Initial Training: The first 12 weeks require you to stay away from home for training. Annual leave cannot be accommodated during this period.
Location
- You must live within a 30-minute journey of the depot you are applying for.
- Initial training involves regular stays away from home 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
- Salary: Starting salary of £19,366, with annual increases to £43,491 upon completion.
- Year 2: £24,938
- Year 2.5 (Development Role): £32,473
- Year 3: £37,770
- Completion: £43,491
- Qualification: City & Guilds Level 3 Diploma in Electrical Power Engineering.
- Annual Leave: 23 days (increasing to 26 upon completion) plus statutory holidays.
- Pension: Competitive scheme with double matched contributions up to 12%.
- Benefits: Protective clothing and safety equipment supplied, flexible benefits (cycle to work, holiday buy/sell), Sharesave and Share Incentive Plans, Employee Assistance Programme (including physiotherapy), and a permanent position upon successful completion.
About the Programme
This is a 36-month Level 3 Power Industry Jointer Advanced Apprenticeship. It combines technical study at Taunton & Bridgewater College, specialist training at National Grid's Training Centre (Taunton and Eakring), and practical workplace experience.
Right to Work
Applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK without requiring sponsorship now or in the future. National Grid is generally unable to offer sponsorship.