The route, drawn out
DWG F92A · 5 stops · 3 years to qualify-
Day one Start as an apprentice from £15.6k
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Year 2 Training continues, pay rises min. £21.2k+
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3 years Fully qualified around £34k
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+3–5 years Experienced up to £58k
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Then Authorised person and senior authorised person… next step
The first figures are legal minimums: the apprentice rate (£8.00/hr) and the National Minimum Wage for 18–20s and 21+ from April 2026, on a 37.5-hour week. Qualified and experienced pay are indicative UK ranges — most employers pay apprentices above the minimum.
What the job is
Distribution network operators need thousands of new jointers, overhead linespeople and substation fitters to keep the lights on and connect everything from heat pumps to new housing estates. This is a well-paid, secure, employer-run apprenticeship with a strong safety culture.
You pick a pathway: overhead lines (working at height on poles and towers), underground cables (jointing and terminating), or substation plant. Callout and standby payments add substantially to base pay.
A typical day
- Excavate, lay, joint and terminate underground cables
- Erect and maintain overhead lines and poles
- Install and maintain substation plant and switchgear
- Work to strict switching and isolation procedures
- Respond to faults and restore supplies, often out of hours
How you get in
- GCSE grade 4 (C) or above in maths, English and a science is typical
- You must pass medical and safety assessments
- Comfortable working outdoors, at height or in excavations
- Full driving licence usually required
Where it leads
- Authorised person and senior authorised person status
- Specialise in high voltage jointing or live line work
- Team leader, then network supervisor
- Design, planning or control room roles
Where to train for this
16 colleges and training providers on our list cover Power Network Craftsperson training. Open your region to see them, then check current intakes with the provider directly.