How to become a Cable Jointer

Cable jointers make and repair joins in insulated power supply and control cables installed in underground pipes, trenches and overhead systems. They also prepare cable terminations for electrical equipment and overhead lines. Cable jointers also install and maintain underground electrical cables used to transmit and distribute electricity in city and country areas, new housing estates and industrial centres.

Personal requirements for a Cable Jointer

Enjoy practical work
Able to cope with the physical demands of the job
Normal eyesight and colour vision
Good hand-eye coordination
Safety-conscious
Able to work at heights
Good communication skills.

Education & Training for a Cable Jointer

To become a cable jointer you usually have to complete an apprenticeship or traineeship. Entry requirements may vary, but employers generally require Year 10.

Additional information

Cable jointers employed by a network operator must fulfill employer qualification requirements and do not require an individual electrical licence.

Duties & Tasks of a Cable Jointer

Cable jointers:

Pull electrical cables through underground pipes or conduits and join cables in transmission and distribution systems
Prepare low- and high-voltage cable joints and cable terminations while connecting and installing electrical equipment and overhead lines
Test and locate cable faults, and maintain and repair cables.
Update location diagrams for the layout of cable systems
Ensure that conductors are correctly connected between substations and customers' premises when installing and making repairs
Assist with manufacturing and preparing cable jointing components
Dig trenches and service pits or tunnels
Encase cables in protective covers
Work with other staff to install or replace cables.

Tasks

Attends to electrical breakdown and emergencies.
Conducts routine maintenance on the aerial and underground electricity supply networks.
May undertake substation installation and maintenance, and specialised testing and revenue metre installation.
Prepares low and high voltage cable joints and cable terminations, while connecting and installing electrical equipment and overhead lines.
Installs and maintains equipment associated with electrical supply such as transformers.
Uses heavy plant equipment such as elevated work platforms and portable equipment such as hydraulic drills.

Working conditions for a Cable Jointer

Cable jointers mainly work outdoors, sometimes in cramped and confined conditions or at heights. They often work in sub-stations, which reduce high-voltage electricity to lower levels for consumer use. They need to maintain good relations with property owners, tenants and authorities. Cable jointers often work as part of a team.

Employment Opportunities for a Cable Jointer

Most cable jointers work on underground electricity distribution and service cables for electricity corporations or private subcontractors. Work is carried out in cities, suburbs, large industrial centres and country towns. Cable jointers may be responsible for work in a particular area or district. Occasionally, cable jointers working for electricity authorities are required to work away from home for periods of time.

Specializations

Cable Jointer

Average age
38 years
Future Growth
Decline
Gender Share
2% female
Average full-time
44 hours
Weekly Pay
$2,205
Skill level rating
Medium skill
Unemployment
Lower unemployment
Full-Time Share
95% Full-Time
Employment Size
600 workers
Employment by state
ACT: 0.7%
NSW: 35.7%
NT: 1.5%
QLD: 19.0%
SA: 3.5%
TAS: 0.7%
VIC: 23.5%
WA: 15.4%
Age brackets
15-19: 2.2%
20-24: 8.6%
25-34: 30.8%
35-44: 21.4%
45-54: 21.2%
55-59: 10.3%
60-64: 4%
65 and Over: 1.5%
Education level
Advanced Diploma/Diploma: 4.1%
Bachelor degree: 3.1%
Certificate III/IV: 77.5%
Post Graduate/Graduate Diploma or Graduate Certificate: 0%
Year 10 and below: 4.6%
Year 11: 2%
Year 12: 8.7%