Apprentice Switchgear Fitter

This is an exciting opportunity to begin a career in engineering as an Apprentice Switchgear Fitter. You will learn how to assemble, install, test, maintain and repair the specialist equipment used to control and protect electrical power distribution systems.

Working alongside experienced engineers and fitters, you will develop a combination of practical electrical and mechanical skills while completing the Level 3 Engineering Fitter apprenticeship.

What you’ll do at work

Your duties will develop as your knowledge and confidence grow. They will include:

• Reading and interpreting engineering drawings, electrical schematics and technical specifications
• Assembling switchgear panels, circuit breakers, busbars and associated components
• Installing control wiring and electrical equipment
• Using hand tools, power tools, torque wrenches and testing equipment safely
• Carrying out electrical continuity and insulation resistance checks
• Supporting the testing and commissioning of switchgear systems
• Inspecting equipment for wear, damage and potential faults
• Assisting with planned maintenance and repairs
• Developing fault-finding and problem-solving skills
• Replacing defective components, including breakers, contacts, relays and fuses
• Completing job sheets, maintenance records and test documentation
• Following company procedures, electrical safety regulations and safe isolation requirements
• Wearing the correct personal protective equipment and reporting workplace hazards
• Working closely with engineers, electricians and commissioning teams
• Ensuring work meets technical, safety and quality standards

Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.

Course contents

• Reading, interpreting and understanding the component or assembly specification, diagrams, drawings and work instructions.
• Planning component or assembly task – materials, tools and equipment.
• Preparing work area for component or assembly task; sourcing required resources, tools and equipment.
• Carry out relevant planning and preparation activities before commencing work activity and know how to source required resources and interpret detailed drawings, specifications and job instructions.
• Checking tools during and after task completion; identifying and reporting defects.
• Measuring and testing, checking or inspecting component or assembly for example; use of micrometers, verniers, multimeters, voltmeter.
• Problem solving; analysing the issue and fixing the issue where appropriate.
• Applying improvement techniques; recommending or implementing solutions where appropriate.
• Communicating with colleagues or customers (internal or external).
• Completing component or assembly documentation for example job instructions, drawings, quality control documentation.
• Reporting work outcomes or issues.
• Restoring the work area on completion of the activity; returning any resources and consumables to the appropriate location and house-keeping.
• Disposing of waste in accordance with waste streams; re-cycling, re-using where appropriate.
• Operating within limits of responsibility.
• Operating in line with quality, health and safety and environmental policy and procedures; identifying risks and hazards and identifying control measures where applicable.