At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team as a Jointer Advanced Apprentice, working with underground cables and network operations.
- Company: National Grid Electricity Distribution powers over 8 million people across the UK.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, annual leave, pension scheme, and earn while you learn.
- Why this job: Be part of a vital industry, gain hands-on experience, and achieve a recognised qualification.
- Qualifications: GCSEs in English, Maths, and Science required; Level 3 Electrical Engineering qualification accepted.
- Other info: Start date is September 2025; live within 30 minutes of the depot.
We’re National Grid Electricity Distribution (NGED), the owner and operator behind the electricity distribution systems for the Midlands, the Southwest of England and South Wales. Serving communities of more than 8 million people, our expert teams deliver heat, light and power for homes and businesses, working outdoors with underground cables, overhead lines and substations that operate between 230 and 132,000 volts.
Net-zero targets are transforming the way we work and increasing the scope of the positive impact we can make. Right now, we’re looking for apprentices to join us. Our people in Network Services work across a number of teams to keep the lights on for our customers. They might be helping a customer who has lost supply or supporting a developer building a multi-million pound project. They maintain a 24/7 service from faults and maintenance, asset replacement to new connections, working outdoors with underground cables, overhead lines and substations that operate between 230 and 132,000 volts; their work is critical to everything we do.
About the Role
The apprenticeship programme takes approximately three years to complete, and you’ll spend your first 12 weeks being inducted onto the programme at one of our Training Centres. 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. You will represent National Grid and carry out work handed down by other areas of the business. 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
Excellent communication skills; one moment, you could be speaking with customers, and the next, colleagues or internal stakeholders. Your success relies on your confidence to interact with the wider business. As you’ll be working outdoors, we need you to be adventurous and driven to work in all weather. Safety awareness is a must (you’ll follow safety instructions, use protective equipment and wear protective clothing), as is meeting deadlines. You’ll be resilient and willing to learn, genuinely passionate about your career and committed to studying. Curious problem solvers thrive here.
Our minimum entry criteria require the following qualifications (held or predicted):
- GCSE English 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. Please note: Electrical Installation qualifications are not accepted as an equivalent to Electrical Engineering qualifications and as a result you will be required to meet the minimum entry requirements detailed above. Whatever qualifications you hold, we will need to see evidence of them for you to be considered. Evidence of your qualification certificates will be required prior to appointment.
If you are offered a position, you will be required to successfully complete a basic DBS check that shows any unspent convictions or conditional cautions. Start date September 2025. Please note that we are unable to accommodate any annual leave during these first 12 weeks of training. Operationally we require you to live within approximately 30 minutes of the depot you are applying for. Please only submit one application. If you appear to be a good match for more than one location, we will consider your suitability during the process. Multiple applications will not be considered.
What You’ll Get
Joining the UK’s leading electricity distribution business means plenty of career opportunities and well-deserved recognition. We reward hard work and encourage ambition, which is why we offer a competitive starting salary of £17,649. You will then see your salary increase as you become more experienced, following the timeline below:
In addition to this, you will also receive the following benefits:
- 23 days annual leave (26 upon completion of training) + statutory holidays.
- Competitive pension scheme (Double matched up to 12%) and Sharesave options.
- Earn whilst you learn and receive a fully funded qualification.
- Develop well-rounded skills, learning from experienced and qualified professionals in the industry.
- Employee Assistance Programme is there to take care of you and includes musculoskeletal and physiotherapy services if you need them.
- Protective clothing and safety equipment supplied.
Our Values and Principles
Diversity, equity, and inclusion are at the heart of who we are and what we do. Our commitment to these values is unwavering and they are central to our mission. We encourage applications from all backgrounds, communities and industries and we are happy to discuss any adjustments that you require.
Further Information
We reserve the right to close the vacancy early should sufficient numbers of suitable applications be received, so it would be best to apply as soon as you can.
*National Grid's Apprenticeship programme in the UK is open to all applicants who meet the eligibility criteria including an existing and valid right to work in the UK. As part of the application process this will need to be evidenced and verified before you can start the programme. Applicants for our Apprenticeship programmes should be aware that we are unable to provide sponsorship if you require a visa for our apprenticeship programmes. Please be aware that it’s your responsibility to explore avenues of working in the UK, as we are not able to provide advice on this - For information about visas please visit https://www.gov.uk/browse/visas-immigration/work-visas.
Jointer Advanced Apprentice - Ty Coch/Brecon employer: National Grid plc
Contact Detail:
National Grid plc Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Jointer Advanced Apprentice - Ty Coch/Brecon
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the basics of electrical engineering and safety protocols. Understanding the fundamentals will not only help you during the interview but also show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Reach out to current or former apprentices at National Grid to gain insights into their experiences. This can provide you with valuable information about the apprenticeship and help you prepare for any questions they might ask.
✨Tip Number 3
Demonstrate your communication skills by engaging in conversations with people from different backgrounds. This will help you build confidence and showcase your ability to interact effectively, which is crucial for this role.
✨Tip Number 4
Be prepared to discuss your problem-solving abilities. Think of examples where you've tackled challenges, as this will highlight your resilience and willingness to learn, traits that are highly valued in this apprenticeship.
We think you need these skills to ace Jointer Advanced Apprentice - Ty Coch/Brecon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Jointer Advanced Apprentice position. Familiarise yourself with the skills needed, such as communication, safety awareness, and problem-solving.
Tailor Your CV: Craft your CV to highlight relevant experiences and skills that align with the job description. Emphasise any previous work or educational experiences related to electrical engineering or outdoor work.
Write a Strong Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the apprenticeship and explain why you are a good fit for the role. Mention your passion for learning and working in the electricity distribution sector, and how you meet the minimum entry criteria.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting your application, carefully proofread all documents for spelling and grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which is crucial for this role.
How to prepare for a job interview at National Grid plc
✨Show Your Passion for the Role
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for becoming a Jointer. Talk about why you are interested in electrical engineering and how this apprenticeship aligns with your career goals. Employers love to see genuine passion!
✨Demonstrate Safety Awareness
Since safety is paramount in this role, be prepared to discuss how you would approach safety on the job. Familiarise yourself with basic safety protocols and be ready to share examples of how you've prioritised safety in past experiences.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Brush up on your knowledge of electrical engineering principles, especially related to underground cables and fault location. Be ready to answer technical questions or even solve problems on the spot to showcase your understanding.
✨Practice Communication Skills
As you'll be interacting with customers and colleagues, practice clear and confident communication. Think of examples where you've successfully communicated in challenging situations, as this will demonstrate your interpersonal skills.