Solar Labourer / Trainee Electrician or AC Engineer
Potentia Engineering, Cheltenham
Immediate start | £24,420 to £33,000 per year (dependent on experience) | Monday to Friday, 8am to 4pm
This is more than a labouring job. It's a fast track into the electrical trade for someone at the start of their career.
Potentia Engineering is a Cheltenham based renewables and electrical contracting business. We design and install solar PV, battery storage, EV charging, and grid connected electrical systems across both commercial and domestic projects. We're looking for an ambitious self starter who wants to begin on the tools as a labourer and rapidly upskill, with our backing, all the way to fully qualified electrician or air conditioning engineer.
No solar or electrical experience needed. What matters is that you're reliable, eager to learn quickly, and ready to build a career from the ground up. If you want to get qualified fast and grow alongside a growing business, this one's for you.
Most work is around the Cheltenham area, but some jobs are further afield, so you'll need to be comfortable with the occasional overnight stay away from home.
Two pathways to getting qualified
For the successful candidate, we'll support your progression from labourer to fully qualified, as fast as you can take it on. You'll get hands on training from day one across live commercial and domestic installs, and you choose one of two separate pathways:
Electrical pathway. Support towards 18th Edition (BS 7671), NVQ Level 3, and the AM2 assessment, leading to your ECS Gold Card as a qualified electrician. From there you can specialise in PV (solar), EV charging, or general electrical.
Air conditioning pathway. A separate route, and for the right candidate we'll support you towards F-Gas certification (safe refrigerant handling) and recognised air conditioning qualifications, leading to work as a qualified AC engineer.
Recognised qualifications, not vague promises. Put the graft in and we'll invest in you.
An exciting first project
The successful candidate will likely have a place on a standout project this January: installing an off grid solar and battery system for a charity in a remote village in Sierra Leone. It's a rare chance to travel, do genuinely meaningful work, and get hands on with a full install early in your time with us. You'd need a valid passport and to be happy travelling abroad for this.
Job responsibilities
- Assemble and position mounting frames and PV array tables.
- Move, handle, and position solar panels safely on site.
- Pull and route DC and communication cabling ready for the electricians to terminate.
- Basic cable management, containment, and trunking support.
- General support to the install team and electricians throughout the build.
- Keep the site clean, tidy, and safe.
Skills and requirements
- Full UK driving licence and your own transport (essential; please do not apply without it).
- CSCS card of some grading, or the willingness to obtain one shortly after starting (we'll help you sort it).
- Reliable and punctual, and happy working outdoors in all weathers and at height, including on domestic pitched roofs (training and equipment provided).
- Willing to work away from home now and then, with overnight stays as the job requires.
- A genuine hunger to learn the trade fast and progress. This role suits someone at the start of their career who wants to get qualified quickly. Any previous site, construction, or electrical experience is a bonus.
How to apply
Send in your CV if you'd like to know more and you live around the Cheltenham area.
Experience
- Previous experience with excavators, welding, hand tools, or power tools is advantageous but not essential; training will be provided
- Mechanical knowledge or electrical experience is desirable for those interested in progressing towards electrician or AC engineer roles
- A proactive attitude with a willingness to learn new skills within the renewable energy sector
- Basic understanding of health and safety procedures on construction sites is preferred but not mandatory
- Candidates should demonstrate good organisational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team
This role provides a solid foundation for those aspiring to specialise further in electrical or mechanical engineering within the renewable energy industry. We welcome applicants eager to develop their skills in a supportive environment while contributing to sustainable projects.
Pay: £25,420.00-£33,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Employee discount
- Employee mentoring programme
- Financial planning services
- Free parking
- On-site parking
Work Location: In person
