Adult Trainee Linesperson

Linesperson Trainee – Adult Trainee Programme

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)

About the role

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. 

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

What you’ll need

• 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

Find Out More – See the Role in Action

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

SSE will make any reasonable adjustments you need to ensure that your application and experience with us is positive. Please contact kim.annink@sse.com to discuss how we can support you.

We're dedicated to fostering an open and inclusive workplace where people from all backgrounds can thrive. We create equal opportunities for everyone to succeed and especially welcome applications from those who may not be well represented in our workforce or industry.

Ready to apply?

Start your online application using the Apply Now box on this page. We only accept applications made online. We'll be in touch after the closing date to let you know if we'll be taking your application further. If you're offered a role with SSE, you'll need to complete a criminality check and a credit check before you start work.