Trainee Street Lighting Technician in Gateshead

Do you want to help make Gateshead a place where everyone thrives? If that sounds like you, keep reading – we might be the perfect match. We’re delighted that you’re interested in working with us. You’d be joining us at a very exciting time. We pride ourselves on our ambitious and forward‑thinking approach to taking care of Gateshead and its people, and we passionately believe that our employees reflect that spirit in truly enabling Gateshead to thrive. At Gateshead Council you’d be a highly valued member of a team that recognises and respects the skills that you bring to your role, encourages creativity and passionately advocates a great work/life balance.

Responsibilities:

• Survey, design and produce specifications for highway street lighting and electrical works, including tendering & estimating.
• Street lighting design using AutoCAD and Lighting Reality.
• Preparation of design drawings, specifications and bills of quantities for highway maintenance schemes.
• Specify and procure street lighting and electrical materials and services.
• Provision of quotations and estimates for street lighting and electrical works.
• Setting out of Street Lighting works.
• Scheme measurement, costing and valuation; for street lighting.
• Monitor and control standards of work to ensure compliance with drawings and specifications.
• Ensuring that complaints, queries and requests for service are responded to effectively and efficiently.
• To be aware of and observe the Council’s financial regulations, safety policy, industry codes of practice and technical development; to encourage good practice in these fields and to establish and maintain sound commercial practice.
• To deliver quality services within an appropriate framework (eg. Quality & Environmental Management) and increase customer satisfaction.
• To be proactive in all aspects of health & safety management to comply with current legislation & CDM.
• Such other responsibilities to allocate as appropriate to the grade of the post.

What You’ll Bring:

• 5 GCSEs at grades 9-4 (AC), including Mathematics and English, or equivalent qualifications.
• NVQ in Engineering (Electrical and Electronic), or equivalent.
• Full current driving licence.
• Knowledge of the principles of Electrical or Electronic Engineering.
• Understanding of the principles of design for street lighting.
• Knowledge of the principles of health and safety.
• Use of AutoCAD or similar computer-aided design (CAD) system.
• Effective oral and written communication skills, with strong numeracy ability.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications (Outlook, Excel, Word) or equivalent software.
• Ability to work to deadlines and prioritise workload effectively.

Benefits:

• Competitive Salary: We offer fair and transparent pay that reflects your skills and experience.
• Outstanding Pension Scheme: We invest in your future.
• Generous Annual Leave: 28 days, rising to 32 days after 5 years (2 of which can be fixed by the Council), plus the option to buy up to 10 extra days.
• Flexible Working Hours: Benefit from up to 26 flexi days per year (subject to business needs).
• Hybrid & Flexible Working: We support a healthy work‑life balance with flexible and hybrid working options.
• Learning & Development: Access a wide range of training, development and progression opportunities.
• Health & Wellbeing Support: Discounted gym memberships, mental health resources, and more.
• Cycle to Work Scheme: Save money and stay active with our tax‑efficient cycle to work programme.
• Electric & Hybrid Car Scheme: Salary sacrifice car scheme in partnership with NHS Fleet Solutions for a brand‑new electric or hybrid vehicle after 12 months of service.
• Exclusive Discounts & Salary Sacrifice: Discounts on shopping, travel, and services plus salary sacrifice options on white goods, electronics and more after 6 months of service.

Our Commitment to You:

We are an equal opportunities employer and aim to have a culture and a workplace where our people feel a sense of belonging, are respected and empowered to do their best work. We welcome applications from suitably qualified people from all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation.

Disclaimer: As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role. The Council reserves the right to close this vacancy early or adjust shortlisting criteria.