Power industry substation fitter
Level 3 · AdvancedEngineering and manufacturing 2.5 yr typical
About this apprenticeship
What it involves
This Level 3 apprenticeship trains you to install, commission, test, and maintain electrical substation equipment on the electricity distribution network. You will work on transformers, switchgear, and protection systems that step down voltage and protect the power network. It can lead to senior substation fitter, protection engineer, or power network technical specialist roles.
On the job
What you’ll learn
Substation design, layout, and the role of substations in electricity distribution
Installation and commissioning of transformers, switchgear, and protection relays
Electrical testing of substation equipment including insulation and continuity testing
Safe systems of work in substations including permit-to-work and earthing
Protection system principles and setting of protection relays
Maintenance routines for substation primary and secondary equipment
Health and safety including arc flash awareness and high voltage safety
On the job
What you’ll do day to day
Install and connect substation switchgear, transformers, and control equipment
Commission and test new substation installations before energisation
Carry out planned maintenance on substation primary and secondary equipment
Test protection relays and confirm correct settings and operation
Apply safe systems of work including permits, earthing, and isolation
Diagnose and repair faults on substation equipment on and off planned outages
Complete substation test records, inspection sheets, and commissioning certificates
The deal
How this apprenticeship works
You earn a wage from day one. You are a paid employee, not a student. There are no tuition fees - the training is funded by your employer and the government.
About 20% is “off-the-job” training. Roughly a day a week is spent learning away from your normal duties - at a college, training provider, or online - working towards a recognised qualification.
It ends with an end-point assessment (EPA). Near the end, an independent assessor checks you can do the job to the national standard - through tests, a project, a portfolio or an interview. Pass it and you are fully qualified.
How to get there
What you need to start
Level 3 (Advanced) - roughly A-level level. Employers usually look for some GCSEs (often English & maths around grade 4/C) or a Level 2 apprenticeship first. English & maths can sometimes be finished during training.
What’s next: Can lead to a Level 4/5 (Higher) apprenticeship, or straight into the role.
Entry requirements are set by each employer and can vary - always check the specific vacancy.
Hear from employers
What it’s really like
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