2026 Jointer Advanced Apprenticeship, National Grid Energy Distribution (Exeter/Torquay)

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.

Skills

• 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.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Personal qualities

• Excellent communication skills; you’ll be speaking with customers, colleagues or internal stakeholders as needed.
• Confidence to interact with the wider business is important for success.
• As you’ll be working outdoors, you should be adventurous and driven to work in all weather.
• Safety awareness is essential (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.

Due to the nature of this role, applicants must be at least 18 years of age by the start date of the programme (1st September 2026).

Entry requirements

• 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 GCSEs 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.
• Electrical Installation qualifications are not accepted as an equivalent to Electrical Engineering qualifications and you will be required to meet the minimum entry requirements.
• 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.

About National Grid Electricity Distribution

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.

Rewards and progression

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 and progression timeline:

• Year 1: Apprenticeship start salary £18,514 (increasing as you gain experience).
• Year 2 - £24,938.
• Year 2½ (Development role) - £32,473.
• Year 3 - £37,770.
• Completion - £43,491.

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 including musculoskeletal and physiotherapy services.
• Protective clothing and safety equipment supplied.