At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a hands-on team maintaining and upgrading the underground electricity network.
- Company: SSEN Distribution, powering 3.9 million homes and businesses across the UK.
- Benefits: Earn while you learn with fully funded training and flexible benefits.
- Other info: Enjoy career progression opportunities and a supportive, inclusive workplace.
- Why this job: Gain practical skills and a nationally recognised qualification in a stable career.
- Qualifications: Customer-focused, proactive, and able to work safely in a team.
The predicted salary is between 20000 - 30000 £ per year.
Base Location: West London, Slough, Reading (Theale), Oxford, Andover, Swindon
Working Pattern: Permanent | Full Time | 37 Hours Per Week
Salary and progression:
- Starting salary: £29,504
- On completion of programme: £36,686
- Once fully qualified: circa £51,000 OTE (including overtime and standby payments)
About The Role:
As a Trainee Cable Jointer, you’ll play a key role in maintaining and upgrading the underground electricity network that powers homes and businesses across our communities. This is a hands‑on, physically demanding role, working outdoors in all weather conditions. You’ll be part of a team installing, jointing, and repairing cables, responding to both planned works and emergency faults to ensure a safe and reliable electricity supply.
During your Jointer training programme, you’ll have the opportunity to build on your existing skills and experiences gained in other industries. The training offers a mix of technical, academic and on‑the‑job training which is provided by our dedicated training school. Our programme enables you to earn while you learn, whilst also gaining vital experience and skills as you study towards a nationally recognised qualification. The programme can take 18 to 24 months depending on your personal capabilities and is centred on an initial course at our training school followed by buddying with an experienced cable jointing team where you will build a portfolio of work which will allow you to gain authorisations to work on the network.
What You’ll Get:
- Fully funded training to become a qualified Cable Jointer (training typically lasts around 18‑24 months)
- Structured salary progression linked to your skills development and authorisations
- All tools and PPE provided
- Opportunities to earn additional income through overtime and standby
- Access to a flexible benefits package supporting your finances, wellbeing, and family life
- A company vehicle provided towards the end of the programme (typically around 3 months before Trade Test completion)
- Career stability and on‑going progression opportunities
- A skills‑based pay matrix so your salary increases as you develop your skills
Before You Apply – What To Expect:
This is a structured training programme where you’ll gain a nationally recognised qualification while building practical, on‑the‑job experience.
To Succeed, You’ll Need To:
- Attend all mandatory training – annual leave cannot be taken during the following dates:
- Jointing Course Part 1: 01/09/26 to 23/10/26
- Jointing Course Part 2: 18/01/27 to 12/03/27
- Have reliable daily access to your own transport throughout the trainee programme
- Be flexible and able to travel to Thatcham Training Centre and other regional locations (daily travel required; accommodation not provided for regional training). The role may involve overnight stays and emergency response work
- Commit to completing your training portfolio within 18–24 months
- Accept a training repayment clause if leaving within 3 years of qualification
What You’ll Be Doing:
- Preparing cables and carrying out jointing and terminations
- Assisting on LV (415V–1000V) and HV (11kV–33kV) networks
- Supporting excavation, installation, and repair works and assisting with maintenance and refurbishment of substation equipment
- Working safely and promoting a strong safety‑first culture
- Delivering excellent customer service during planned and emergency work
What You’ll Need:
- Be customer‑focused with a natural ability to build relationships with customers, stakeholders and members of the public
- Hand skills – routinely stripping meter tails, using hand tools and fixing meters to boards. You’ll have a thirst for knowledge and training, and be able to pick up new skills quickly, working with others within a team to achieve common goals and adjusting your behaviour to reflect the diversity of our workforce and customer base.
- Have a strong focus on Health & Safety and will adhere to our company motto "if it's not safe, we don't do it."
- Proactive and flexible approach, effectively planning and using initiative to ensure the right equipment is in place, adapting to change, and consistently delivering high‑quality work with strict adherence to Health & Safety standards
- A full UK driving licence
About Our Business:
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.
Work with an equal opportunity employer:
SSE will make any reasonable adjustments you need to ensure that your application and experience with us is positive. Please contact laura.morrison@sse.com or 01738 341814 to discuss how we can support you. We're dedicated to fostering an open and inclusive workplace where people from all backgrounds can thrive. We create equal opportunities for everyone to succeed and especially welcome applications from those who may not be well represented in our workforce or industry.
Cable Jointer Trainee – Adult Trainee Programme in Reading employer: Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks
At SSEN Distribution, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a structured training programme that allows you to earn while you learn, with fully funded training to become a qualified Cable Jointer. Our supportive work culture prioritises safety and teamwork, providing ample opportunities for career progression and personal development, all while enjoying a flexible benefits package tailored to enhance your wellbeing and family life in the vibrant locations of West London, Slough, Reading, Oxford, Andover, and Swindon.
Contact Details:
Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Cable Jointer Trainee – Adult Trainee Programme in Reading
✨Get Hands-On at Local Events
Dive into local trade fairs or community workshops where you can meet seasoned professionals. It’s a great way to shake hands, ask questions, and even catch the eye of potential employers while showing off your eagerness to learn!
✨Connect with Industry Apprenticeship Schemes
Look for apprenticeship programmes in your area, as many skilled-trades companies, like those in construction or engineering, seek trainees directly through these channels. This is often a foot-in-the-door opportunity, and they value your willingness to jump in!
✨Use Social Media to Showcase Your Skills
Create a platform on social media where you can share short videos or posts about your projects or any related DIY tasks you’ve tackled. It’s a fun way to demonstrate your passion and can attract the attention of local businesses like Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks looking for fresh talent.
✨Don’t Overlook Informal Networking
Chatting with friends, family, or acquaintances can sometimes lead to hidden opportunities. Let them know you’re on the hunt for a trainee role in skilled trades, and you might stumble upon a lead you’d never have found elsewhere!
We think you need these skills to ace Cable Jointer Trainee – Adult Trainee Programme in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Skills!:When applying for a trainee position in skilled trades, make sure to highlight any relevant hands-on experience you've got, even if it’s just from school or hobbies. We want to see how you've used tools and techniques related to the trade, so don’t be shy about mentioning those specific skills!
Let Your Passion Shine Through:In your cover letter, share your genuine interest in the skilled trade you're applying for. Talk about why you chose this path and what excites you about working with Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks. Passion can go a long way, especially as a trainee where you're eager to learn and grow!
Certificates Matter!:If you have any certifications relevant to the skilled trades, like health and safety or specific training courses, definitely include them with your application. They can set you apart and show that you’re committed to your professional development right from the start.
Tidy Up That CV:Keep your CV clear and easy to read. Focus on your education, any hands-on experience, and relevant projects or apprenticeships. Remember to format it nicely and keep it to one page if possible, as we’ll appreciate a concise overview that gets straight to the point!
How to prepare for a job interview at Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks
✨Get Your Tools Ready
Think about the specific tools or techniques you'll be using in the skilled trades. If you're applying for a trainee role, you might not need to be a master, but showing that you’ve got basic knowledge of the tools and materials relevant to the job will set you apart. Maybe even bring along some photos or examples of your work if you've had any hands-on experience.
✨Know Your Safety Standards
Safety is a big deal in skilled trades, so be prepared to discuss regulations or safety measures specific to your field. They might throw some situational questions at you regarding safety practices, so think about any protocols you’ve learned. Showing you're safety-conscious will make a great impression!
✨Be Ready for Practical Scenarios
During your interview, expect some practical tests or scenario-based questions. Interviewers love to know how you’d solve real-world problems on the job site. Practise explaining your thought process clearly; it demonstrates how you think on your feet—and this is crucial for a trainee role!
✨Show Your Enthusiasm to Learn
As a trainee, showcasing your eagerness to learn is key. Highlight any experience or courses you’ve done related to the trades, even if informal. Talk about why you’re passionate about this line of work—your motivation will come across clearly and convince them you’re the right fit for the team at Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks.
