Power industry distribution cable jointer
Level 3 · AdvancedEngineering and manufacturing 2.5 yr typical
About this apprenticeship
What it involves
This Level 3 apprenticeship qualifies you to join, terminate, and repair underground and overhead power cables within electricity distribution networks. You will work safely on low and high voltage cable systems, connecting the network and ensuring reliable electricity supply to homes and businesses. It can lead to senior cable jointer, jointing supervisor, or power networks engineering roles.
On the job
What you’ll learn
Electricity distribution network design and cable system principles
LV and HV cable jointing techniques for XLPE, paper-lead, and other cables
Safe systems of work including permit-to-work, earthing, and isolation
Fault location and cable testing using specialist diagnostic equipment
Jointing materials, compounds, and resin systems for cable connections
Network switching operations and the role of cable jointers in outages
Health and safety for working on live and de-energised electrical systems
On the job
What you’ll do day to day
Prepare, strip, and joint underground distribution cables in jointing bays
Apply cable joints, terminations, and sealing using correct materials
Test completed cable joints using HV test equipment before re-energisation
Work safely under permit-to-work systems at substations and in trenches
Locate and repair cable faults on distribution networks
Carry out switching operations to isolate and restore network sections
Complete accurate jointing records, test results, and network documentation
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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