This is our own independent research from public sources. The employer hasn't reviewed, paid for or approved it.

Key figures

Length of a Power Industry Apprenticeship, depending on the programme
2–3 years
Source: UK Power Networks (opens in a new tab)
Craft trades you can train in, from cable jointing to substation fitting
3
Source: UK Power Networks (opens in a new tab)
Areas whose electricity networks it maintains (London, the South East and the East of England)
3 regions
Source: UK Power Networks (opens in a new tab)

Overview

UK Power Networks looks after the cables, lines and substations that carry electricity to homes and businesses across London, the South East and the East of England. Its apprentices learn the hands-on trades that keep the power on.

Power Industry Apprenticeships

The programme is endorsed by Energy & Utility Skills and accredited by the IET (the Institution of Engineering and Technology). It takes two or three years, and you train in one of three trades:

Trade What you’ll do
Distribution cable jointer Install, connect and repair high and low voltage underground cables
Overhead linesperson Build and repair overhead lines and poles, working at height in all weathers
Electrical substation fitter Maintain transformers, circuit breakers and switchgear in substations

You get support from a training team, all your safety equipment, workwear and tools, and pay rises when you hit milestones.

Office apprenticeships

UK Power Networks also trains apprentices in its Digital Academy and in business admin and finance.

What they don’t tell you

UK Power Networks doesn’t publish pay, entry requirements or qualification levels on its apprenticeships page. Read each advert carefully and ask about pay at interview.

What they do

UK Power Networks maintains the electricity distribution networks across London, the South East and the East of England, carrying power to homes and businesses.

Apprenticeships at UK Power Networks

  • Distribution cable jointer

    Underground cables

    You learn to install, connect and repair high and low voltage underground cables, and restore supplies when something goes wrong.

  • Overhead linesperson

    Overhead power lines

    You learn to build, maintain and repair overhead lines and poles, working at height and in all weathers, and respond to power cuts.

  • Electrical substation fitter

    Substations

    You learn to install, maintain and repair high voltage equipment such as transformers, circuit breakers and switchgear.

  • Digital Academy, business admin and finance apprenticeships

    Office roles

    UK Power Networks also trains apprentices in its Digital Academy and in business admin and finance.

Programmes change from year to year, so check the official site for the latest details.

Pay calculator

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      Sources: Income Tax rates and Personal Allowances (GOV.UK) (opens in a new tab); Scottish Income Tax (GOV.UK) (opens in a new tab); National Insurance rates and categories (GOV.UK) (opens in a new tab); Workplace pensions: what you, your employer and the government pay (GOV.UK) (opens in a new tab); Price Index of Private Rents, UK: monthly price statistics (ONS) (opens in a new tab); 16+ Zip Oyster photocard (TfL) (opens in a new tab); Apprentice Oyster photocard (TfL) (opens in a new tab); MD3517 July 2026 fare changes (Greater London Authority) (opens in a new tab); Bus tickets (Transport for Greater Manchester) (opens in a new tab); Under 19 bus-only travel (West Yorkshire Metro) (opens in a new tab); MCard for 19-25s (opens in a new tab); Capped fares (Travel South Yorkshire) (opens in a new tab); Young Persons' (Under 22s) Free Bus Travel (Transport Scotland) (opens in a new tab); £1 bus fares for young people extended to March 2027 (Welsh Government) (opens in a new tab); yLink (Translink) (opens in a new tab).

      Career areas

      • Cable jointing
      • Overhead lines
      • Substation fitting
      • Digital
      • Business admin and finance

      UK Power Networks entry requirements

      We have not found entry requirements published in a form we can verify for this employer. They usually vary by programme, so check each role's details on the official site.

      Who can apply

      • UK Power Networks doesn't publish age, residency or grade requirements on its apprenticeships page. Check each advert.

      Our tips for UK Power Networks

      Our own tips, not information from the employer.

      • The three trades are very different jobs. Overhead linespeople work at height in all weathers, while cable jointers mostly work below ground. Think about which suits you before you apply.
      • The programme is endorsed by Energy & Utility Skills and accredited by the IET, so the qualification is recognised across the electricity industry.
      • Pay isn't published, but UK Power Networks says it rises when you hit career milestones. Ask what the milestones are.
      • You get all your safety equipment, workwear and tools provided.

      Summary

      • UK Power Networks maintains the electricity networks across London, the South East and the East of England.
      • Its Power Industry Apprenticeships take two to three years and train cable jointers, overhead linespeople and substation fitters.
      • The programme is endorsed by Energy & Utility Skills and accredited by the IET.
      • Pay isn't published, but rises when you reach career milestones.

      Questions about UK Power Networks apprenticeships

      What apprenticeships does UK Power Networks offer?

      Power Industry Apprenticeships in three craft trades (distribution cable jointer, overhead linesperson and electrical substation fitter), lasting two to three years. It also lists Digital Academy, business admin and finance apprenticeships.

      Does UK Power Networks do apprenticeships?

      Yes. Its Power Industry Apprenticeships train you as a distribution cable jointer, overhead linesperson or electrical substation fitter. It also has apprenticeships in its Digital Academy and in business admin and finance.

      How long is a UK Power Networks apprenticeship?

      Two or three years, depending on the programme. At the end you're a fully qualified craftsperson who can work on the electricity network.

      What does an overhead linesperson apprentice do?

      You learn to build, maintain and repair overhead power lines and poles. It involves working at height in all weathers, and responding to power cuts to get electricity back on quickly.

      How much do UK Power Networks apprentices get paid?

      UK Power Networks doesn't publish apprentice pay. It says it pays a competitive salary with rises when you reach milestones. Our apprentice pay guide explains the legal minimum.

      Which other energy companies offer apprenticeships?

      SSE and EDF both run engineering apprenticeships. Compare them in our energy and utilities table.

      Sources and review

      Last reviewed . Details can change after this date, so check the official source before you rely on them.

      1. Apprenticeships (opens in a new tab) UK Power Networks · accessed
      2. UK Power Networks (opens in a new tab) UK Power Networks · accessed

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