Experienced Apprenticeship 2026 - SPN

Overview

Experienced Apprentice Programme 2026 (Career Changers) – 81483 – 2026 Experienced Apprentice Programme (Career Changers). This is a two-year engineering apprenticeship accredited by the IET and endorsed by EU Skills, offering craft roles in the electrical distribution industry. The programme is based in Crawley/Lewes, Maidstone/Strood, Kingston or Croydon offices. It is a permanent employment with UK Power Networks.

You will attract a salary of £37,226.00 and a bonus of 3%. If successful, you will need to undertake a medical and DBS reference check. The course starts in September 2026. Application close date is Saturday 31 January 2026.

We also provide the following additional benefits (where applicable): Reservist Leave, Personal Pension Plan, tenancy/season ticket loans, tax-efficient benefits (Cycle to Work, Home & Tech, Green Car Leasing), Occupational Health support, Switched On discounts, discounted gym membership, and Employee Assistance Programme.

About UK Power Networks

UK Power Networks operates and maintains three electricity distribution networks, serving 19 million people across London, the South East and East of England. It also has an un-regulated arm, UK Power Networks Services, for high-voltage private networks. The apprenticeships are part funded by the Apprenticeship Levy. The business has a track record of quality with OfSTED rating Good, with Outstanding in two areas.

Our priorities include addressing the climate crisis by connecting renewable energy, improving customer services, supporting vulnerable customers, and serving communities.

The Experienced Apprenticeship Programme

UK Power Networks has extensive electrical infrastructure, with hundreds of kilometres of cables and lines. The two-year programme is accredited by the IET and endorsed by EU Skills, offering one of three craft roles:

• Cable Jointer – Maintains and upgrades underground cables, installs, connects, and repairs, following safety standards to ensure reliable power supply.
• Overhead Linesperson – Installs and maintains overhead lines and poles, working at heights to ensure safe and reliable distribution of electricity.
• Electrical Fitter – Installs, maintains, and repairs equipment in substations, working with high-voltage apparatus to ensure safe distribution of electricity.

The apprenticeship includes a City and Guilds Level 2 in Electrical Power Engineering – Distribution and Transmission (Technical Knowledge) and other training at a partner college in Basingstoke. Apprentices will follow the Level 3 Power Industry Craftsperson Apprenticeship Standards and complete the End Point Assessment (EUIAS – Energy & Utilities Independent Assessment Service).

Responsibilities and Qualifications

Principal Accountabilities:

• Apprentices are allocated a single craft based on business need and location.
• Apprentices learn all aspects of their allocated craft and apply skills safely and competently.
• Apprentices follow the relevant apprenticeship standards (Power industry substation fitter, overhead linesperson, or distribution cable jointer) and undertake required training.
• The apprenticeship includes additional training and assessments, with accommodation and meals provided when required by training locations.
• Training comprises internal/external courses, on-site placements, and college-based academic training across the 2-year period.

Qualifications Required:

• Minimum GCSE grade 3 (D) or equivalent in English and maths or Functional Skills Level 1/2. Hard copies may be required at assessment.
• Either Level 2 or higher qualification in Further Education or more than 3 years of hands-on craft-based experience in a relevant field (e.g., electrician, carpenter, builder, mechanical fitter, welder, vehicle mechanic, or telecom/gas/water technician).
• Manual dexterity with hand tools and the ability to work outdoors in all weather; some roles require working at height.
• Full UK driving licence is required due to travel between training locations.

Application Process

1. Stage 1: Online Application & CV – Submit your online application and CV (no cover letter needed).
2. Stage 2: Online Task-Based Assessment – Interactive online assessment to explore your traits and behavioural preferences.
3. Stage 3: Audio Interview – Record responses to questions to share your personality.
4. Stage 4: Assessment Centre – In-person activities including group and individual exercises and a hand skills task.
5. Stage 5: Final Interview – Virtual interview for shortlisted candidates.
6. Stage 6: Offers – Offers issued subject to drugs/alcohol screening, fit-for-work assessment, and right-to-work evidence.

Notes – These roles have physical demands, including outdoor work in variable conditions, heavy lifting, and working at height. Some safety equipment has an upper weight limit of 116 kg. Training may involve overnight stays or travel between locations.

Health & Safety and Privacy

Health and safety responsibilities are outlined for managers and employees. Data held by UK Power Networks may be processed for learning records and compliance; a Privacy Notice is available on Gov.UK. Equal employment opportunity statements are upheld in our process.