Foundation Apprentice Programme 2026 (Education Leavers)

81479 - 2026 Foundation Apprentice Programme - EPN (Education Leavers)

This 2026 Foundation Apprentice Programme will report to the Engineering Trainees Team Leader and will work in our Bury St Edmunds, Cambridge, Chilterns, Colchester, Letchworth, Southend, Downham Market, Lea Valley or Purfleet office. 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

If you have any further questions about the Apprenticeship please contact us at Apprenticeships@ukpowernetworks.co.uk

We also provide the following additional benefits

• 25 Days Annual Leave plus bank holidays
• 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, get ready for an adventure that combines hands-on experience, first-class training, and even a dash of outdoor excitement!

The Foundation Apprenticeship with UK Power Networks offers an outstanding training programme into the heart of the electrical distribution industry. You will gain a nationally recognised qualifications and real-world skills, setting you up for a successful career in electrical engineering. This programme is IET-accredited and backed by the ESFA, meaning you're training with the best in the business.

If successful with your application you will be allocated as an apprentice to your local area and trained in one of the following trade's 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 many experienced craftsmen and engineers.

Overhead Linesperson: Comfortable working at height? Take on responsibilities for maintaining and restoring electrical supplies for all of our overhead network, completing reinforcements and new connections will be an exciting part of your day, whilst keeping the power on for our many millions of customers.

Electrical Fitters: Dive into the world of electrical fitting activities on several plant across our substations this will include construction, maintenance with transformers, circuit breakers, and other critical apparatus, keeping the network efficient and safe The opportunities are endless and no day is ever the same

Main Responsibilities & Competencies:

Get ready to master every aspect of your chosen craft, showcasing your skills with confidence and flair. Safety is our priority, and you will be a shining example of commitment to health and well-being, not just during your apprenticeship, but well into your future career.

Flexibility and adaptability are your secret weapons, allowing you to excel in a constantly evolving environment. Collaborate with your apprentice peers to your new UK Power Networks colleagues and training providers.

Communication is important, and you will be the leading light in establishing good and productive relationships with your fellow trainees, and the wider community. Watch as your personality lights up every interaction!

And let's not forget the thrill of achieving all your qualifications and milestones along the way. It's not just a programme; it's a pathway to success and personal growth.

What else can I expect from the programme?:

Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award: As part of our commitment to personal development, we deliver the prestigious Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award, providing all of our young trainees with invaluable life skills and experiences which your group will achieve on an exciting journey together.

Residential Training at Bridgwater College: Immerse yourself in an intensive training programme during your first year at our residential Bridgwater College in Somerset. Over a series of months, you will acquire City and Guilds Qualifications and develop the expertise necessary to excel in your chosen craft whilst learning a range of different hand and more importantly life skills to set you up perfectly for your future careers.

Outward Bound Team Building Week: Get to know your apprentice group, we encourage our trainees to embark on another exciting week in the lake district during your induction period, a range of exciting outdoor activities and experiences await which will show team work, all whilst creating memories to last forever.

Travel Expenses Covered: We cover all your travel expenses during the training period, ensuring you can focus on your learning and growth, maximising your full potential.

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) who are ready for an exciting challenge after leaving education.
• Team players who enjoy working with others, learning on the job, and working outdoors—whether it's rain or shine.
• Safety-conscious candidates who exhibit a high level of manual dexterity and safety understanding, we are also looking for candidates who can work at height for certain roles, like our overhead linesperson positions
• No driver's licence yet? No problem! You will have time to obtain it while you complete your 3-year training programme.

What You will Do with Us:

• Specialised Training in Power Industry Skills: You will focus on a specific role based on where you're placed, whether as an Electrical Fitter, an Overhead Linesperson, or a 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 all whilst participating in the prestigious Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award
• Training Centres and College Placements: You will spend time at UK Power Networks' training centres, gaining skills in real-world settings, plus on-site placements and academic training.

What's in It for You?

• Three Years of Hands-On Training: This isn't just a desk job! Your time will be split between the classroom, on site and our training centres with excellent facilities.
• Paid Travel & Accommodation: We'll cover overnight stays and meals when training requires travel, and if you're using a personal vehicle with business insurance, you can claim mileage to and from training locations.
• Be Part of a fantastic team: Here at UK Power Networks, you're joining a company that delivers power to millions. You will work with mentors and a supportive team to learn all aspects of your role and follow the highest safety standards in the industry.

This apprenticeship is more than just a job; it's your pathway to a future in the power industry. Apply now and take the first step toward a bright future!

Application Process

Stage 1: Online Application & CV

Start your journey by submitting your online application and CV — no cover letter needed! We're excited to learn more about you and what makes you a great fit for our team.

Stage 2: Online Task-Based Assessment

Next, you will take part in an interactive online assessment featuring a range of engaging, game-like tasks.

These activities are designed to explore your psychological traits and behavioural preferences, helping us understand how you might grow in our workplace.

If you shine here and meet the qualifications and requirements you will move forward to Stage 3!

Stage 3: Audio Interview

In this stage, you will record your responses to a short series of questions — think of it as a chance to let your personality come through. It is not a formal interview, just an opportunity for us to hear from you directly and help decide if you will progress to the next exciting step!

Stage 4: Assessment Centre

You will be invited to an in-person Assessment Centre.

Here, you will take part in a mix of activities — including a group exercise, an individual exercise, and a hand skills task.

It's a great chance to meet our team, experience our culture, and show off your strengths in action.

Invitations will be sent out in Early March 2026, with full details provided closer to the date.

Stage 5: Final Interview

Candidates who score well at the Assessment Centre will be invited to a virtual interview — your opportunity to make a lasting impression and tell us why you're the perfect fit.

Stage 6: Offers

Congratulations! 🎉You will receive an offer after you have:

• Passed a drugs and alcohol screening
• Completed a fit-for-work assessment
• Provided evidence of the right to work in the UK

So let's recap:

🌟 Craftsmanship Excellence: be assigned your pathway in either Jointing, Overhead Lines, or Fitting, and watch as you acquire essential experience to set you up for success.

🏡 Residential Training Retreats: Spend several months at our exclusive training centres and residential college in Somerset, where you will master the basics in a supportive environment. And don't forget the Outward-Bound week in the picturesque Lake District!

📚 Learning and Certification: Throughout the programme, you will blend training courses with hands-on experience on the Network and the local areas. By the end, you will emerge as a qualified crafts person armed with recognised qualifications.

🔄 Shifts and Flexibility: Get ready for a dynamic work schedule. Once qualified, you may be part of a team working around the clock, ensuring a seamless operation 24/7

🏠 Provided Accommodation: Your home away from home during training centres stays? We've got it covered! Stay in UK Power Networks provided accommodation, ensuring you're well-rested and ready to conquer each day.

🚗 Driving Licence: Fasten your seat belts! A full driving licence is a must on completion of your training, and it'll be your ticket to even more exciting opportunities.

But wait, there's more! Before embarking on this incredible journey, a few steps like drug and alcohol tests and medical screening will ensure you're a perfect fit for this adventure

Join us in shaping the future of energy and be part of something electrifying! Apply now and let's power up your career together! 🚀⚡

Health & Safety Responsibilities

Please note that these roles have both physical conditions of the workplace and physical demands of the job. These conditions include physical strain i.e. heavy lifting, working at height, or working in confined spaces. An apprentice, and qualified craftsperson can expect outdoor settings, in all weather conditions, including temperature extremes, during day and night shifts. Work is often performed in emergency and some pressured situations.

Employees need to be aware that for some craft and operational roles that work at height, or use fall arrest devices, there is an upper weight limit of 116Kg due to maximum safe working load of the safety equipment that is used.

Managers and supervisors carry both legal and company responsibilities for ensuring the health and safety of their employees, those under their control and those who might be affected by the work undertaken, i.e. public, visitors and employees of other organisations. This includes briefing individuals working for them and ensuring there is the necessary understanding, competence and application of requirements to work safely and without harming the environment.

Employees will ensure they understand the health and safety risks involved in their work activities and their responsibility to apply the controls needed to manage those risks to acceptable levels. Similarly where work activities can have an adverse impact upon the environment, and where there are legal requirements, employees will understand those impacts and the controls they must ensure are applied.

Employees need to be aware that for some craft and operational roles that work at height, or use fall arrest devices, there is an upper weight limit of 116Kg due to maximum safe working load of the safety equipment that is used.

If in doubt ask!

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.