Cable Jointer Review

As a cable jointer, we look after and work on underground cables rangeing from 240 Volt- 11kv. Our work is varied. No two days are the same and the location where we carry out our work changes every day. Typically, we carry out fault work where we locate, and repair underground low voltage cables as well as 11kv high voltage cables. We also carry out New connections work which includes connecting new properties to the network, altering the existing supply of a customers property or installing a new sub station.

I have learned how to carry out Low voltage and High voltage cable jointing, as well as low voltage switching. I have developed my communication and customer service skills, as communication to our customers is key; especially when working on a fault. I have also developed my maths and engineering knowledge through the college course.

Overall, I really enjoy the programme. The training I have received has been excellent, my colleagues that I work with when I am not on a training course are very knowledgeable and friendly, which really helps you to adapt what you have learned from training to being able to carry it out on site.

The programme is very well organised/ structured. There is a lot of criteria that we have to cover during our apprenticeship, especially the portfolio. We are all assigned mentors as well as Network Learner Team Managers, who help and support us with the learning process. You are given a sheet at the start of every year outlining in detail what courses we will be on at what time in the year.

I receive a lot of support from the employer. There are lots of Mentors and Managers in place to help and support me through the apprenticeship. For example I have an annual review every couple of months where my My manager and network learner team manager will review my progress to make sure that I am not falling behind and set targets for me to complete before the next review.

Again, I received a lot of support from the training provider when working towards my qualifications. They monitored my progress in great detail to make sure that I passed all my exams, and got the best result possible. I was struggling on one of the modules, and was given extra help support in order to pass the exam.

For certain aspects of my role there can be some maths involved. (For example back feeding a sub station). Before I got my qualification I used to struggle with these aspects. However, after I got this qualification, I can carry out these parts of the job with ease. This is due to the excellent teaching I received from the training provider.

At SSE there are many extra-curricular activities to get involved in. At college we can all take part in a variety of team building activities including: High ropes, Mountain biking, kayaking and archery. When working at the depot, I take part in different sporting activities with my colleagues after work. We also have a Christmas party that we all attend every year.

Yes

Overall, I think that it is an excellent apprenticeship. The level of training and support that we get, as well as the positive learning and work environment is exceptional. No two days are the same, and I learn something new every day. Whats more, you get paid to learn which is an incredible incentive to get the best out of your learning journey.

I would tell then that you need at least 3 GCSE's in Maths, English and 1 Science (Ideally Physics). At grade 4 and above. Due to the fact that the application process is quite competitive, make sure that you put together the best CV possible, dress smartly for the test centre, and practice your interview skills as part of the test centre process is a 2 panel interview. You want to put your best foot forward in order to stand out from everyone else.