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- Tasks: Join our hands-on Craft Trainee Programme and support the energy transition.
- Company: SSE, a leader in sustainable energy solutions.
- Benefits: Earn while you learn, with competitive pay and great perks.
- Other info: Enjoy outdoor work, training, and clear pathways for career progression.
- Why this job: Build a skilled career while keeping the lights on for communities.
- Qualifications: No prior experience needed, just a positive attitude and commitment.
The predicted salary is between 17666 - 36686 £ per year.
Build a Long‑Term Skilled Career Supporting the Energy Transition – Substation Fitter / Overhead Linesperson / Cable Jointer
Base Location: Mull & Tiree & Fort William & Dunoon & Campbeltown
Salary: circa £17,666. Salary upon finishing the programme is circa £36,686 + a range of other benefits to support your family, finances, and wellbeing.
Working Pattern: Permanent | 2-year Trainee Programme
Start Date: 10th August 2026
Are you looking for a hands‑on career that pays you to train in a skilled trade, while helping keep the lights on for homes, businesses and communities? Our two year Craft Trainee Programme combines structured training with real work experience on the electricity network. You’ll work outdoors, attend college to gain a qualification, learn from expert craft teams and progress towards becoming an authorised Substation Fitter, Cable Jointer or Overhead Linesperson — building a long‑term career in a vital and growing industry.
Choose Your Path
- Substation Fitter – work on electrical infrastructure across our network, maintaining, installing and upgrading equipment that keeps power on for customers.
- Cable Jointer – specialise in underground cables, repairing faults, connecting new customers and improving the resilience of the network.
- Overhead Linesperson – work at height on the overhead electricity network, building and maintaining power lines and restoring supplies during faults.
What The Programme Offers
- A structured two‑year programme combining paid, on‑the‑job training with hands‑on experience.
- You will attend college and work towards achieving a Technical certificate in Electrical Power Engineering.
- Practical outdoor work, supporting our teams to maintain, repair and upgrade the electricity network in local communities.
- Training at our dedicated training centres, followed by on‑the‑job learning and support from experienced craft colleagues giving you the knowledge and skills to work safely and confidently.
- All tools, PPE and equipment provided, including required business travel and accommodation.
- A permanent skilled craft role on completion, with a starting salary of around £36,686 plus overtime and clear opportunities to progress your career.
What We’re Looking For
- Someone who enjoys hands‑on practical work and is comfortable working outdoors in varied conditions.
- A quick learner with a positive attitude, ready to build new technical skills with support from our experienced teams.
- Commitment and resilience to complete a two‑year programme, including periods of training away from home.
- A strong focus on safety and following procedures in a safety critical environment.
- Comfortable working at height for the Overhead Linesperson and Substation Fitter pathway and willing to get involved in physical, outdoor tasks.
- Working towards a driving licence, with a full UK licence expected by the end of the programme.
What To Expect & What You’ll Gain
Over the two‑year programme, you'll complete a structured, paid training programme that combines hands‑on field experience with learning at our internal training schools. You’ll gain industry‑recognised qualifications, develop specialist technical skills and build the confidence to work safely and effectively across our network. Some training will be delivered in block release, meaning you may need to stay away from home for several weeks at a time. We’ll fully support your travel and accommodation, ensuring you can focus on developing your skills and progressing through the programme. By the end of your trainee programme, you’ll be ready for a rewarding, skilled role as a qualified Substation Fitter, Cable Jointer or Overhead Linesperson, with a clear pathway for future career progression.
What We Provide
- Fully funded training for you to become a qualified Craft person.
- All tools and PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) required for the role.
- A skills‑based pay matrix so your salary increases as you develop your skills (once qualified).
- Career stability within a sustainable industry with ongoing progression opportunities.
- On joining you will also have access to a range of other benefits to support your family, finances, and wellbeing.
About SSE
SSE’s purpose is to provide energy needed today while building a better world of energy for tomorrow. SSEN Distribution, part of the wider SSE group, powers 3.9 million UK homes and businesses. Our team of more than 4,200 skilled engineers, customer service advisors and energy experts keep customers connected to a safe, reliable supply of electricity while investing in and developing the flexible networks needed for our low carbon future.
Flexible Benefits To Fit Your Life
- Enjoy discounts on private healthcare and gym memberships.
- Wellbeing benefits like a free online GP and 24/7 counselling service.
- Interest‑free loans on tech and transport season tickets, or a new bike with our Cycle to Work scheme.
- As well as generous family entitlements such as maternity and adoption pay, and paternity leave.
Candidate Requirements and Equal Opportunity
SSE welcomes applicants from all nationalities to apply for the apprenticeship/trainee roles. Applicants must have the right to work in the UK by the start of employment. Applicants must be willing to undergo a pre‑employment screening process including a basic criminal records and credit check. We do not offer visa sponsorship as the salary does not meet the UKVI minimum salary threshold for this role. We will make any reasonable adjustments you need to ensure that your application and experience with us is positive.
Distribution Craft Trainee in Fort William employer: Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks
Contact Detail:
Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Distribution Craft Trainee in Fort William
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research SSE and their values. When you show up for interviews, drop in some knowledge about their projects or initiatives. It’ll impress them and show you’re genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or attend industry events. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to insider tips or even a referral, which can give you a leg up in the application process.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for common interview questions related to hands-on work and safety. You want to demonstrate your practical skills and commitment to safety, so think of examples from past experiences that highlight these.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team and ready to kickstart your career in this vital industry.
We think you need these skills to ace Distribution Craft Trainee in Fort William
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let us see your enthusiasm for hands-on work and the energy sector. Share any relevant experiences or projects that highlight your interest in becoming a skilled craftsperson.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific skills and qualities we’re looking for. Mention your commitment to safety and your willingness to learn, as these are key for our trainee programme.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon, so we can easily understand your background and what you bring to the table.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure it gets to the right people and helps us keep track of all applicants efficiently.
How to prepare for a job interview at Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you understand the basics of electrical power engineering and the specific roles you're interested in, like Substation Fitter or Cable Jointer. Brush up on any relevant terminology and be ready to discuss how your skills align with the hands-on work involved.
✨Show Your Enthusiasm
This role is all about practical work and learning on the job, so let your passion for hands-on tasks shine through. Share examples of past experiences where you've tackled physical challenges or learned new skills quickly, and express your eagerness to contribute to the energy transition.
✨Safety First
Since this job involves working in safety-critical environments, be prepared to talk about your understanding of safety protocols. Highlight any previous experience you have with safety measures in outdoor or technical settings, and demonstrate your commitment to following procedures.
✨Ask Smart Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t hesitate to ask insightful questions about the training programme, the team you'll be working with, or the future opportunities available after completion. This shows that you're genuinely interested in the role and eager to learn more about your potential career path.