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- Tasks: Join our two-year Craft Trainee Programme and gain hands-on experience in the energy sector.
- Company: SSE, a leader in providing sustainable energy solutions.
- Benefits: Earn while you learn, with competitive pay and great perks like healthcare discounts.
- Other info: Enjoy structured training, support from experts, and clear pathways for career progression.
- Why this job: Build a rewarding career in a vital industry while making a positive impact on communities.
- Qualifications: Must be 18+ and ready for practical outdoor work; driving licence by programme end is required.
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: Poole, New Forest, Slough, Theale, Salisbury
Salary: circa £17,666 to begin the programme. Upon completion (~2 years) salary rises to circa £36,686 plus opportunities for overtime and progression.
Working Pattern: Permanent – 2-year Trainee Programme
Start Date: September 2026
Our two‑year Craft Trainee Programme combines structured training with real work experience on the electricity network. You will 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 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.
Programme Offers
- A structured two‑year programme combining paid, on‑the‑job training with hands‑on experience and a Technical Certificate in Electrical Power Engineering.
- Practical outdoor work supporting teams to maintain, repair and upgrade the electricity network in local communities.
- Training at dedicated training centres followed by on‑the‑job learning and support from experienced craft colleagues.
- All tools, PPE and equipment are 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 for career progression.
What We’re Looking For
- Enjoy hands‑on, practical work and are comfortable working outdoors in varied conditions.
- Be a quick learner with a positive attitude, ready to build new technical skills with support from experienced teams.
- Show commitment and resilience to complete a two‑year programme, including periods of training away from home.
- Maintain a strong focus on safety and follow procedures in a safety‑critical environment.
- Be comfortable working at height for the Overhead Linesperson and Substation Fitter pathways and willing to undertake physical outdoor tasks.
- Work towards a driving licence, with a full UK licence expected by the end of the programme.
- In England, be 18+ when you start the programme in September.
What to Expect & What You’ll Gain
Over the two‑year programme you will complete a structured, paid training programme that combines field experience with learning at our internal training schools. You’ll gain industry‑recognised qualifications, develop specialist technical skills and build 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 will fully support your travel and accommodation so you can focus on developing your skills and progressing through the programme. By the end of the trainee programme you will 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 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.
- Access to a range of other benefits to support your family, finances and wellbeing.
Benefits
- Discounts on private healthcare and gym memberships.
- Wellbeing benefits such as a free online GP and 24/7 counselling service.
- Interest‑free loans on tech and transport season tickets and a new bike through our Cycle to Work scheme.
- Generous family entitlements such as maternity and adoption pay, and paternity leave.
About SSE
SSE’s purpose is to provide the 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 keeps customers connected to a safe, reliable supply of electricity while investing in and developing the flexible networks needed for our low‑carbon future.
Equal Opportunity & Reasonable Adjustments
SSE will make any reasonable adjustments you need to ensure that your application and experience with us is positive. All applicants must have the right to work in the UK by the start of employment. We do not sponsor visas for this role as the salary does not meet the UKVI minimum salary threshold.
Pre‑Employment Screening
Before commencing employment with SSE, applicants will be required to fully complete our pre‑employment screening process, which consists of a basic criminal record and credit check.
Distribution Craft Trainee in Reading employer: SSE PLC
Contact Detail:
SSE PLC Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Distribution Craft Trainee in Reading
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research SSE and its values, especially their commitment to the 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 demonstrate your skills and resilience, as these are key for the Craft Trainee Programme.
✨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 take that first step towards a rewarding career.
We think you need these skills to ace Distribution Craft Trainee in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for the role shine through! We want to see that you're genuinely excited about starting a career in the energy sector and ready to tackle hands-on work.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the job description. We love seeing candidates who take the time to connect their background to what we’re looking for in a Craft Trainee.
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 quickly see why you’d be a great fit for our team!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure it gets to us directly, and you’ll find all the info you need about the role and the application process there.
How to prepare for a job interview at SSE PLC
✨Know Your Path
Before the interview, take some time to research the specific role you're applying for, whether it's a Substation Fitter, Cable Jointer, or Overhead Linesperson. Understanding the responsibilities and skills required for each pathway will help you tailor your answers and show genuine interest in the position.
✨Show Your Hands-On Experience
Since this role involves practical work outdoors, be ready to discuss any relevant hands-on experience you have. Whether it’s previous jobs, hobbies, or projects, highlight how these experiences have prepared you for the physical and technical demands of the job.
✨Emphasise Safety Awareness
Safety is crucial in this industry, so make sure to convey your understanding of safety protocols and your commitment to following them. You might want to prepare examples of how you've prioritised safety in past experiences, as this will demonstrate your readiness for a safety-critical environment.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! This shows your enthusiasm and helps you gauge if the company is the right fit for you. Consider asking about the training process, opportunities for progression, or what a typical day looks like for someone in your desired role.