At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our two-year Craft Trainee Programme and gain hands-on experience in a skilled trade.
- Company: SSE, a leader in energy transition, powering millions of homes and businesses.
- Benefits: Earn while you learn, with a competitive salary and great perks like healthcare discounts.
- Other info: Enjoy outdoor work, expert training, and clear pathways for career progression.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on communities while building a long-term career in a vital industry.
- Qualifications: A positive attitude and commitment to learning; must be 18+ by programme start.
The predicted salary is between 17666 - 36686 ÂŁ per year.
Build a Long‑Term Skilled Career Supporting the Energy Transition – Substation Fitter / Overhead Linesperson / Cable Jointer
Base Location: Poole, New Forest, Slough, Theale, Salisbury
Salary Circa ÂŁ17,666. Salary upon finishing the programme is circa ÂŁ36,686 plus a range of other benefits.
Working Pattern: Permanent | 2‑year Trainee Programme
Start Date: September 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 ÂŁ36,686 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.
- In England, for this programme you must be 18+ when you start in the programme in September.
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.
- Generous family entitlements such as maternity and adoption pay, and paternity leave.
Equal Opportunity
SSE will make any reasonable adjustments you need to ensure that your application and experience with us is positive. If you would like to discuss any working‑different requirements or adjustments you may require throughout the recruitment and selection process, please contact apprenticesandtrainees@sse.com by email or request a call if you would prefer to discuss on the phone.
Before commencing employment with SSE, you’ll be required to fully complete our pre‑employment screening process consisting of a basic criminal record and credit check. Applicants must have the right to work in the UK by the start of employment. Please note, SSE welcomes applicants from all nationalities to apply for the Apprenticeship/Trainees roles; however we are unable to offer visa sponsorship as the salary does not meet the UKVI minimum salary threshold for this role.
Distribution Craft Trainee in Salisbury 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 Salisbury
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research SSE and their values, especially around energy transition. This will help you tailor your conversations and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their mission.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or attend industry events. Having someone inside can give you insider tips and maybe even a referral, which can really boost your chances.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to hands-on work and safety. Think about examples from your past experiences that showcase your skills and commitment to learning.
✨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.
We think you need these skills to ace Distribution Craft Trainee in Salisbury
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for hands-on work and the energy sector shine through. We want to see that you're genuinely excited about building a career in this vital industry!
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role of a Distribution Craft Trainee. We love seeing candidates who take the time to connect their background to what we’re looking for.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your key points stand out. This helps us understand your qualifications quickly!
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. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the programme there.
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 the role you're applying for. Research what a Substation Fitter, Cable Jointer, or Overhead Linesperson does. Familiarise yourself with the tools and equipment used in these roles, as well as the safety procedures that are crucial in this industry.
✨Show Your Passion for Hands-On Work
During the interview, express your enthusiasm for practical, outdoor work. Share any relevant experiences you've had, whether it's DIY projects, previous jobs, or even hobbies that involve physical tasks. This will demonstrate your commitment to the hands-on nature of the job.
✨Highlight Your Learning Ability
Since this is a trainee programme, it’s important to show that you’re a quick learner. Be ready to discuss how you’ve successfully picked up new skills in the past. Mention any training or courses you've completed, and how you adapt to new environments or challenges.
✨Safety First!
Given the safety-critical nature of the role, be prepared to talk about your understanding of safety protocols. You might want to mention any previous experience working in environments where safety was paramount, and how you ensure you follow procedures to keep yourself and others safe.