Trainee Linesperson

Ssen Distribution; Tipner; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fully funded training

Salary progression

Tools & PPE provided

Overtime opportunities

Flexible benefits package

Company vehicle later in programme

Skills-based pay matrix

Job summary

SSEN Distribution is recruiting for a Trainee Linesperson to maintain and upgrade overhead electricity networks across our regions. The role is outdoors, involves working at height, and requires flexibility to travel to training centres and sites.

You will train and gain authorisations while contributing to fault response and customer service. The programme combines technical, academic, and on-the-job training, with a salary progression, PPE provided, and potential overtime.

Qualifications

• Strong focus on Health & Safety in every task.
• Customer service mindset when dealing with the public and stakeholders.
• Willingness to travel to training centres and regional locations.
• Ability to work at height and in all weather conditions.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and repair overhead electricity networks.
• Construct and upgrade LV, 11kV and 33kV infrastructure.
• Work safely and promote a safety-first culture.
• Deliver excellent customer service.
• Operate as part of a team to respond to faults and emergencies.

Skills

Health & Safety awareness

Customer service

Team collaboration

Flexibility

Job description

As a Trainee Linesperson, you'll help maintain and upgrade the electricity network that powers homes and businesses across our communities. This is a hands-on, physically demanding role working outdoors in all weather conditions. You'll often work at height and be part of a team responding to faults and emergency situations. During your Linesperson training programme, you'll have the opportunity to build on your existing skills and experiences gained in other industries. The training offers a mix of technical, academic and on the job training which is provided by our dedicated training school. Our programme enables you to earn while you learn, whilst also gaining vital experience and skills as you study towards a nationally recognised qualification. The programme can take 18 to 24 months depending on your personal capabilities and is centred on an initial course at our training school followed by buddying with an experienced linesperson team where you will build a portfolio of work which will allow you to gain authorisations to work on the network. This vacancy may close earlier than the advertised closing date if a high number of applications is received.

What you'll get

• Fully funded training to become a qualified Linesperson (training typically lasts around 18-24 months)
• Structured salary progression as you develop your skills and authorisations
• All tools and PPE provided
• Opportunities to earn additional income through overtime and standby
• A flexible benefits package to support your finances, wellbeing and family life
• A company vehicle is provided towards the end of the programme (typically around 3 months before Trade Test completion).
• A skills-based pay matrix so your salary increases as you develop your skills

Before you apply - what to expect

This is a structured training programme, and you'll work towards a nationally recognised qualification while gaining practical, on-the-job experience.

To succeed, you'll need to:

• Attend all mandatory training. Annual leave cannot be taken during any of the dates below:
• LV Intro: 16/11/2026 to 17/12/2026
• LV Construction: 11/05/2027 to 11/07/2027
• HV Construction: 18/10/2027 to 19/11/2027
• Have daily access to your own transport throughout the trainee programme
• Be flexible and be able to travel to our New Forest Training Centre and other regional locations. The role may involve overnight stays and emergency response work
• Commit to completing your training portfolio within 18 months
• Accept a training repayment clause if you leave within 3 years of qualifying

What you'll be doing

• Maintaining and repairing overhead electricity networks
• Constructing and upgrading LV, 11kV and 33kV infrastructure
• Working safely and promoting a safety-first culture
• Delivering excellent customer service
• Working at height
  Be customer-focussed with a natural ability to build relationships with customers, stakeholder and members of the public
• Hand skills - routinely stripping meter tails, using hand tools and fixing meters to boards
• You'll have a thirst for knowledge and training, and be able to pick up new skills quickly, working with others within a team to achieve common goals and adjusting your behaviour to reflect the diversity of our workforce and customer base.
• Have a strong focus on Health & Safety and will adhere to our company motto "if it's not safe, we don't do it."
• Proactive and flexible approach, effectively planning and using initiative to ensure the right equipment is in place, adapting to change, and consistently delivering high-quality work with strict adherence to Health & Safety standards
• A full UK driving licence

We're looking for experienced Linespeople to join our Northern and Southern Electric Power Distribution teams.

A Linesperson is at the heart of our network, helping us to power change and this is an opportunity to develop an exciting career and further authorisations within SSE.

Base Locations: Portsmouth, Petersfield, Aldershot, Reading, Theale, Slough, West London.

Salary and progression

• Starting salary: £29,504
• On successful Trade Test: £36,686
• Once fully qualified: circa £55,000 OTE (including overtime and standby payments)

Your Career Sorted: Life as a Jointer at SSEN Your Career Sorted: Journey from Tree Cutter to Linesperson at SSEN About SSEN Distribution SSEN Distribution powers over 3.9 million homes and businesses across our network. We're at the heart of the transition to a smarter, more sustainable energy system. Join us and you'll be part of a supportive, safety-focused team where you can build a long-term career and make a real impact. Flexible benefits to fit your life Enjoy discounts on private healthcare and gym memberships. Wellbeing benefits like a free online GP and 24/7 counselling service. Interest-free loans on tech and transport season tickets, or a new bike with our Cycle to Work scheme. As well as generous family entitlements such as maternity and adoption pay, and paternity leave.

Work with an equal opportunity employer