2026 Jointer Advanced Apprentice, National Grid Electricity Distribution (Exeter/Torquay)
Join to apply for the 2026 Jointer Advanced Apprentice, National Grid Electricity Distribution (Exeter/Torquay) role at National Grid.
About Us: We’re National Grid Electricity Distribution (NGED), the owner and operator behind the electricity distribution systems for the Midlands, the Southwest of England and South Wales. Serving communities of more than 8 million people, our expert teams deliver heat, light and power for homes and businesses. We work outdoors with underground cables, overhead lines and substations operating between 230 and 132,000 volts. Net‑zero targets are transforming the way we work and increasing the scope of the positive impact we can make. We are looking for apprentices to join us.
About The Role
The apprenticeship programme takes approximately three years to complete and you’ll spend your first 12 weeks being inducted onto the programme at one of our training centres. You’ll earn while you learn and develop your knowledge, skills and behaviours to become a Power Networks Craftsperson, achieving a City & Guilds Level 2 Qualification in Electrical Engineering. Your training will include periods of on‑job training and development, learning from an experienced and qualified joiner. Following a formal assessment of your knowledge, skills and behaviours, you’ll become a qualified joiner yourself.
Jointers are underground cable engineers who carry out excavation, cable laying, reinstatement and fault location on LV cables. You will represent National Grid and carry out work handed down by other areas of the business.
Skills
Join us and we’ll see you participate in craft skills activities on the LV, HV and EHV (Low, High & Extremely high voltage) network. You’ll help with network operations, connect generators and services and organise your own projects. You’ll also:
- Construct distribution substations, excavate, lay and joint cables, and terminate cables to plant
- Carry out routine inspection, locate faults and carry out repairs on underground cables and equipment
- Record asset details and positions
- Locate and identify cables, test insulation, phasing and continuity
- Test earthing, voltage, phasing and phase rotation
- Carry out switching operations on the LV network
- Connect generators
- Organise your own projects
What You’ll Need
- Excellent communication skills; you may be speaking with customers or colleagues and internal stakeholders. Confidence to interact with the wider business is essential.
- As you’ll be working outdoors, you must be adventurous and driven to work in all weather.
- Safety awareness is a must (use protective equipment, wear protective clothing, follow safety instructions) and meeting deadlines.
- You’ll be resilient, willing to learn, genuinely passionate about your career and committed to studying. Curious problem‑solvers thrive here.
- Applicants must be at least 18 years of age by the start date of the programme (1 September 2026).
Minimum Entry Criteria
- GCSE English A*‑C/9‑4 or Level 2 Functional or Key Skills English
- GCSE Mathematics A*‑C/9‑4 or Level 2 Functional or Key Skills Maths
- GCSE Science A*‑C/9‑4 or BTEC Science Level 2 equivalent
- Two other GCSEs A*‑C/9‑4 or Level 2 qualifications in any subject
You can also apply with a recognised Level 3 qualification in Electrical Engineering plus GCSE Grade C/4 or above in Maths and English. Electrical Installation qualifications are not accepted as an equivalent to Electrical Engineering qualifications, so you will need to meet the minimum entry requirements above. Evidence of your qualification certificates will be required prior to appointment.
If offered a position, you will be required to successfully complete a basic DBS check to confirm no unspent convictions or conditional cautions.
Start date: September 2026. We are unable to accommodate annual leave during the first 12 weeks of training.
Operationally, you must live within approximately 30 minutes of the depot you are applying for. Please submit only one application; multiple applications will not be considered.
What You’ll Get
Competitive starting salary of £18,514, with increases as you become more experienced:
- Year 2 – £24,938
- Year 2½ (Development role) – £32,473
- Year 3 – £37,770
- Completion – £43,491
Additional benefits include:
- 23 days annual leave (26 upon completion of training) + statutory holidays
- Competitive pension scheme (double matched up to 12%) and Sharesave options
- Fully funded qualification and earn while you learn
- Develop well‑rounded skills, learning from experienced professionals in the industry
- Employee Assistance Programme, including musculoskeletal and physiotherapy services if needed
- Protective clothing and safety equipment supplied
Our Values and Principles
Diversity, equity, and inclusion are at the heart of who we are and what we do. Our commitment to these values is unwavering and central to our mission. We encourage applications from all backgrounds, communities and industries and are happy to discuss any adjustments you require.
We reserve the right to close the vacancy early should sufficient numbers of suitable applications be received, so it would be best to apply as soon as you can.
Applicants for our Apprenticeship programmes should be aware that we are unable to provide sponsorship if you require a visa for our apprenticeship programmes. It’s your responsibility to explore avenues of working in the UK. For information about visas, please visit https://www.gov.uk/browse/visas-immigration/work-visas.
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