Experienced Apprenticeship 2026 - EPN

Overview

Experienced Apprentice Programme 2026 (Career Changers) – 81484 – 2026 Experienced Apprentice Programme (Career Changers).

This two-year training programme is accredited by the IET and endorsed by EU Skills. It is designed to equip individuals with the skills to become a trained and qualified craftsperson to work safely in the electrical distribution industry. The apprenticeship is offered in one of three craft roles and is conducted across UK Power Networks’ training centres and partner sites.

You will be employed permanently and report to the Engineering Trainees Team Leader. The programme starts in September 2026 and ends with an End Point Assessment. The role location options include Borehamwood, Colchester, Kings Lynn, Norwich or Bury St Edmunds.

Salary and benefits are detailed in the sections below.

Responsibilities and Craft Roles

The programme offers one of the following craft roles:

• Cable Jointer – installs, connects and repairs underground cables, ensuring a reliable power supply and compliance with safety standards.
• Overhead Linesperson – installs, maintains, and repairs overhead power lines and poles, working at heights and in all weather conditions to ensure safe distribution of electricity.
• Electrical Fitter – installs, maintains, and repairs electrical equipment and systems within substations, handling high-voltage apparatus and ensuring safe operation.

Principal accountabilities, required standards and training activities are described in the sections below.

Principal Accountabilities

• Apprentices are allocated to a single craft based on business need and location.
• Apprentices learn all aspects of their allocated craft and apply skills safely and in line with apprenticeship standards.
• Apprentices follow the Level 3 Power Industry Craftsperson Apprenticeship Standards; the exact standard depends on the offered role (Substation Fitter, Overhead Linesperson, or Distribution Cable Jointer).
• The apprenticeship includes a City and Guilds Level 2 in Electrical Power Engineering (Distribution and Transmission) undertaken at an external provider college (Basingstoke).
• Safety procedures and UK Power Networks’ safe working policies must be followed; training takes place at regional centres and external sites, with accommodation and meals provided as needed.
• Training comprises internal/external courses, on-site placements and college-based study over the 2-year period.

Qualifications Required

• Apprenticeship involves supervised work and teamwork; candidates must have GCSEs (or Functional Skills) in English and Maths at a minimum of grade 3 (D) or equivalent.
• A Level 2 or higher qualification in FE or more than 3 years of relevant craft-based work experience with strong manual dexterity may be acceptable.
• A high degree of manual dexterity is required; some roles (e.g., overhead linesperson) require working at height.
• A full UK driving licence is required due to travel across the UK Power Networks footprint.

Application Process

Stage 1: Online Application & CV (no covering letter needed).

Stage 2: Online Task-Based Assessment to assess psychological traits and behavioural preferences.

Stage 3: Audio Interview to record responses; not a formal interview.

Stage 4: In-person Assessment Centre with group and individual exercises and a hands-on task.

Stage 5: Final Interview (virtual) for strong candidates from the Assessment Centre.

Stage 6: Offers, subject to screening and right-to-work checks. Roles include: drugs and alcohol screening, fit-for-work assessment, and right to work verification.

Invitations to stages are expected in early March 2026.

Health & Safety and Conditions

Roles involve physical conditions and demands, including heavy lifting, working at height, outdoor work in all weather, and potential emergency or high-pressure situations. Some roles may have an upper weight limit of 116kg to operate safety equipment safely.

Health and safety responsibilities are applied by managers and supervisors, with training and controls to minimise risk and protect the environment.

Training, Travel and Accommodation

Apprentices will train at UK Power Networks training centres or with external providers. Overnight accommodation may be required for courses; travel between locations is necessary and transport/ mileage may be claimed where applicable.

The apprenticeship ends with an End Point Assessment by EUIAS (Energy & Utilities Independent Assessment Service), with certification of craft competency upon successful completion.

Equality and Data Notice

UK Power Networks is an equal opportunity employer and committed to diversity in the workplace.

Data held by UK Power Networks may be stored and processed by authorised personnel for learning and verification purposes. See the Extended Privacy Notice on Gov.UK for details.