At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our hands-on Craft Trainee Programme and support the energy transition.
- Company: Be part of a leading company in the energy sector with a focus on sustainability.
- Benefits: Earn while you learn, with competitive pay and flexible benefits for your wellbeing.
- Other info: Enjoy outdoor work, gain qualifications, and secure a permanent role upon completion.
- Why this job: Build a skilled career while keeping the lights on for communities.
- Qualifications: No prior experience needed, just a positive attitude and willingness to learn.
The predicted salary is between 25074 - 36686 £ per year.
Build a Long‑Term Skilled Career Supporting the Energy Transition – Substation Fitter / Overhead Linesperson / Cable Jointer
Base Location: Tiree, Fort William, Oban, Dunoon
Salary: under 18s will be on £17,666, 18-20 on £21,405 and 21+ on £25,074. 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.
- 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.
- 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 pathways 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.
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 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 on‑going progression opportunities.
- On joining you will also have access to a range of other benefits to support your family, finances, and wellbeing.
- 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.
We 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 differently requirements or adjustments you may require throughout the recruitment and selection process, please contact apprenticesandtrainees@sse.com by email or you are very welcome to request a call if you would prefer to discuss on the phone.
Distribution Craft Trainee in Dunoon employer: SSE PLC
Join a forward-thinking company that prioritises your growth and wellbeing while you embark on a rewarding career in the energy sector. Our Distribution Craft Trainee Programme offers hands-on training, industry-recognised qualifications, and a supportive work culture that values safety and teamwork. With competitive salaries, flexible benefits, and clear pathways for career progression, you'll be well-equipped to thrive in a vital industry that powers communities across Tiree, Fort William, Oban, and Dunoon.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Distribution Craft Trainee in Dunoon
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research their values, projects, and culture. This will help you tailor your conversations and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or attend industry events. Building relationships can give you insider info and even lead to referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions and scenarios related to the role. Think about how your hands-on experience aligns with what they’re looking for in a Distribution Craft Trainee.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen and considered. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining us!
We think you need these skills to ace Distribution Craft Trainee in Dunoon
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 CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Distribution Craft Trainee. Highlight any practical skills, teamwork experiences, or safety awareness that align with what we’re looking for in candidates.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. We want to understand your journey and aspirations without sifting through unnecessary details.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the programme and what we offer.
How to prepare for a job interview at SSE PLC
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the basics of electrical power engineering and the specific roles of a Substation Fitter, Cable Jointer, or Overhead Linesperson. Brush up on relevant terminology and concepts so you can confidently discuss them during your interview.
✨Show Your Hands-On Experience
If you've done any practical work or training related to electrical systems, be ready to talk about it! Share specific examples of tasks you've completed, what you learned, and how it relates to the role you're applying for. This will demonstrate your commitment to hands-on work.
✨Safety First!
Since this role involves working in safety-critical environments, emphasise your understanding of safety protocols. Be prepared to discuss how you prioritise safety in your work and any relevant experiences where you had to follow strict procedures.
✨Ask Smart Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions to ask your interviewers about the training programme and career progression opportunities. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you. Plus, it gives you a chance to learn more about the company culture!
