Foundation Apprenticeship 2026 - EPN

UK Power Networks; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading energy provider in the UK is seeking dynamic education leavers for their Foundation Apprenticeship Programme in Electrical Power Engineering. This 3-year apprenticeship combines hands-on experience, first-class training, and the opportunity to earn qualifications in cable jointing, overhead lines, or electrical fitting. Applicants should have GCSEs in English, Maths, and Science, and be enthusiastic about learning outdoors. This role offers a permanent contract, a salary of £22,480, with a 3% bonus and various employee benefits.

Benefits

Reservist Leave

Private Health Insurance

Personal Pension Plan

Discounted gym membership

Employee Assistance Programme

Qualifications

• Education leaver eager for a challenge after leaving school.
• Enjoys learning on the job and working outdoors.
• Understanding of safety protocols and high dexterity.

Responsibilities

• Master cable jointing and electrical fitting under expert guidance.
• Maintain and restore electrical supplies on overhead networks.
• Collaborate with mentors and fellow trainees.

Skills

Teamwork

Safety-consciousness

Adaptability

Education

GCSEs (grades A-D or 9-4) in English, Maths, and Science

Job description

Overview

This 2026 Foundation Apprentice Programme reports to the Engineering Trainees Team Leader and will work in our offices in Bury St Edmunds, Cambridge, Chilterns, Colchester, Letchworth, Southend, Downham Market, Lea Valley or Purfleet. You will be a permanent employee.

You will attract a salary of 22,480.00 and a bonus of 3%.

If you are successful, you will need to undertake a medical and DBS reference check

Application Close Date: Saturday the 31st of January 2026

Your course will start in September 2026.

We also provide the following additional benefits:

• Reservist Leave – Additional 18 days full pay and 22 unpaid
• Private Health Insurance / SimplyHealth
• Personal Pension Plan – Personal contribution rates of 4% or 5% (UK Power Networks will make a corresponding contribution of 8% or 10%)
• Tenancy Loan Deposit Scheme, Season Ticket Loan
• Tax efficient benefits: Cycle to Work, Home & Tech, and Green Car Leasing Schemes
• Occupational Health support
• Switched On – scheme providing discount on hundreds of retailers' products
• Discounted gym membership
• Employee Assistance Programme

UK Power Networks

Here at UK Power Networks we are delivering power to over 8 million homes and businesses across London, the South East, and East of England and we focus on making sure it safely and reliably reaches over 19 million people every day, maintaining and upgrading the network of underground cables, overhead lines, and substations that bring electricity from the national grid and distribute it to homes, schools, workplaces, and communities.

As the energy industry evolves, UK Power Networks is at the forefront of exciting changes like smart grids, electric vehicle (EV) charging, and clean, renewable energy sources. We are focused on supporting the UK's move to greener energy, making our industry a great choice for anyone wanting a career that helps shape the future.

The Foundation Apprenticeship Programme

Are you a dynamic education leaver, eager to embark on an exciting career journey? Look no further. Join the UK Power Networks Foundation Apprenticeship Programme and become an important part of the largest electricity distribution network covering London, the South East and East of England.

This is a 3-year journey towards becoming an accomplished craftsperson in Electrical Power Engineering, combining hands-on experience, first-class training, and outdoor exploration.

The Foundation Apprenticeship with UK Power Networks offers an outstanding training programme into the heart of the electrical distribution industry. You will gain nationally recognised qualifications and real-world skills. This programme is IET-accredited and backed by the ESFA.

If successful with your application you will be allocated as an apprentice to your local area and trained in one of the following trades: cable jointing, overhead lines or electrical plant fitting.

Cable Jointer: Master the art of underground cable jointing, involving maintenance and restoration of electrical supplies on our electricity distribution networks. You will perform jointing repairs on the High and Low voltage underground cables under expert guidance from our experienced craftsmen and engineers.

Overhead Linesperson: Maintain and restore electrical supplies for our overhead network, including reinforcements and new connections, while keeping the power on for millions of customers.

Electrical Fitter: Electrical fitting activities on plant across our substations, including construction, maintenance with transformers, circuit breakers, and other critical apparatus, keeping the network efficient and safe.

Get ready to master every aspect of your chosen craft, with safety as a priority and potential for ongoing career development.

Flexibility and adaptability are your strengths, enabling you to excel in a constantly evolving environment. You will collaborate with apprentice peers, UK Power Networks colleagues, and training providers.

Communication is important, and you will work to establish productive relationships with fellow trainees and the wider community. Your journey will include achieving qualifications and milestones along the way.

What else can I expect from the programme?

Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award: A commitment to personal development, providing life skills and experiences as part of the trainee group.

Residential Training at Bridgwater College: Intensive training in Somerset with City and Guilds qualifications and related skills, plus life skills for future careers.

Outward Bound Team Building Week: Outdoor activities in the Lake District to foster teamwork and memories for your induction period.

Travel Expenses Covered: Travel costs during training are covered.

Qualifications and Experience

Who We're Looking For:

• School/ Education leavers with GCSEs (grades A-D or 9-4) in English, Maths, and Science (or equivalent) ready for a challenge after leaving education.
• Team players who enjoy learning on the job and working outdoors in all weather.
• Safety-conscious candidates with high dexterity and safety understanding; some roles require work at height (overhead lines).
• No driver's licence yet? You will have time to obtain it during the 3-year training.

What You will Do with Us:

• Specialised Training in Power Industry Skills: Focus on a specific role based on placement (Electrical Fitter, Overhead Linesperson, or Cable Jointer).
• Earning Your Qualifications: Follow the Level 3 Power Industry Craftsperson Apprenticeship Standards and achieve a City and Guilds Level 2 in Electrical Power Engineering at our external college provider in Bridgwater, Somerset, while participating in the Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award.
• Training Centres and College Placements: Time at UK Power Networks' training centres with on-site placements and academic training.

What’s in It for You?

• Three Years of Hands-On Training: Time split between classroom, site, and training centres with excellent facilities.
• Paid Travel & Accommodation: We cover overnight stays and meals; mileage may be claimed if using a personal vehicle for training.
• Be Part of a fantastic team: Work with mentors and a supportive team while following safety standards.

This apprenticeship is a pathway to a future in the power industry. Apply now and start your journey.

Application Process

Stage 1: Online Application & CV

Submit your online application and CV — no cover letter needed.

Stage 2: Online Task-Based Assessment

Complete an interactive online assessment with game-like tasks designed to explore your psychological traits and behavioural preferences.

If you meet qualifications, you will move to Stage 3.

Stage 3: Audio Interview

Record responses to a short series of questions; not a formal interview, but a chance to convey your personality.

Stage 4: Assessment Centre

Attend an in-person Assessment Centre with a mix of activities including group and individual exercises and a hand skills task.

Invitations will be sent in Early March 2026.

Stage 5: Final Interview

Virtual interview for finalists.

Stage 6: Offers

Offers follow after:

• Drugs and alcohol screening
• Fit-for-work assessment
• Right to work in the UK evidence

So let's recap:

Craftsmanship Excellence: Assigned to a pathway and gain experience to set you up for success.

Residential Training Retreats: Training centres and residential college in Somerset, plus Outward Bound week in the Lake District.

Learning and Certification: Training courses with hands-on experience, ending with recognised qualifications.

Shifts and Flexibility: Dynamic schedule; after qualification, potential 24/7 operation.

Provided Accommodation: UK Power Networks-provided accommodation during training.

Driving Licence: A full driving licence is required on completion of training.

Additional notes: drug and alcohol tests and medical screening will be required before embarking on this journey.

Join us in shaping the future of energy and be part of something electrifying! Apply now and power up your career.

Health & Safety Responsibilities

These roles involve physical conditions and demands, including heavy lifting, working at height, and confined spaces. Work may be outdoors in all weather and in day and night shifts, including emergency and high-pressure situations. Some roles require work at height with fall arrest devices and there is an upper weight limit of 116 kg for safety equipment.

Managers and supervisors are responsible for health and safety, briefing staff, and ensuring competence to work safely and without harming the environment. Employees must understand health and safety risks and apply controls; where applicable, they must understand legal requirements and environmental impacts.

Equal Employment Opportunity: We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, colour, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender, gender identity or expression, or veteran status. We are proud to be an equal opportunity workplace.