Electricity Distribution Worker
What is the work like?
As an electricity distribution (known as 'transmission') worker, you would install and maintain the network that supplies electricity from power stations to homes, industry and businesses.
You could work in one of three main areas of electricity transmission:
- overhead transmission or lines work – building and repairing overhead power lines
- work as a cable jointer – joining and repairing underground cables, and connecting customers to the electricity supply network
- electrical fitting – installing, repairing and maintaining equipment in substations, to control, protect and monitor electricity flow.
In general, your duties would include:
- keeping equipment in good working order
- switching operations
- installing and dismantling equipment such as transmission cables
- assembling or removing components
- adjusting and configuring electrical systems
- finding and diagnosing faults
- inspecting and testing cables and other equipment
- following strict health and safety procedures at all times.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
You do not always need formal qualifications to work in electricity distribution, although employers usually ask for a good standard of education and you may have an advantage with some GCSEs (A-C) or a similar level of qualification. You should check entry requirements with individual employers.
You will often get into this type of work through an Apprenticeship scheme. The range of Apprenticeships available in your area will depend on the local jobs market and the types of skills employers need from their workers. For more information on Apprenticeships, visit www.apprenticeships.org.uk.
For an apprenticeship you will usually need four GCSEs (A-C), including maths, English, and another relevant subject such as science, engineering or design and technology.
If you are not joining the industry through an Apprenticeship, you will find it useful to have previous experience or qualifications in electrical engineering and maintenance.
What further training and development can I do?
You will be trained by your employer, through a mixture of learning on the job and taking some formal courses at a training centre. Your training will usually include the chance to achieve the following work-based qualifications:- NVQ Level 2 Electricity Systems Technology Engineering Support
- NVQ Level 3 Electricity Systems Technology Engineering.
See the Energy & Utility Skills website for more details and a list of training providers.
You could also take short distance learning courses in subjects such as high voltage safety, through AFAQ-ETA – see their website for details.
Many employers will want you to be registered in an appropriate safety passport scheme before you can work on site. Relevant safety passport schemes for electricity distribution include:
- Basic Electrical Safety Competence scheme (BESC)
- Client/Contractor National Safety Group (CCNSG) Safety Passport
- Construction Safety Certification Scheme (CSCS).
See the Energy & Utility Skills Register, Engineering Construction Industry Training Board (ECITB) and CSCS websites for more details.
Where can I go for more information?
185 Park StreetBankside
London
SE1 9DY
Tel: 020 7922 1630
Church Lane
Kings Langley
Hertfordshire
WD4 8JP
Tel: 01923 260000
NASEC Administration: 01923 402155
1011 Stratford Road
Shirley
Solihull
B90 4BN
Tel: 0845 077 9922
If you would like to discuss your career options with a learning adviser, call 0800 100 900 or use our online enquiry form
Alternatively, you can visit our website at: www.direct.gov.uk/careersadvice
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What salary and other benefits can I expect?
- Apprentices usually earn between £10,000 and £15,000 a year.
- Experienced and qualified workers may earn between £20,000 and £45,000 a year.
What are the hours and working conditions?
You would work a 37-hour week which may include shifts, as you would often take part in a standby rota for emergencies that happen outside normal working hours. Overtime may be necessary.
Working conditions can vary. Some of the work takes place outside, in all weather conditions. Underground cabling work is in cramped trenches, and overhead lines work is at height, using safety access equipment. The work often involves lifting, bending and carrying.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- good practical skills
- physical fitness and stamina
- a basic knowledge of physics and maths to understand the principles of electricity
- good communication skills
- problem-solving ability
- the ability to work as part of a team and also on your own without supervision
- awareness of health and safety.
What opportunities are there?
You could work for one of the four national transmission companies, or a regional distribution company. Prospects are good for skilled workers – for example, there is currently a shortage of overhead transmission workers.
Jobs may be advertised in the local press, Jobcentre Plus or on employers' own websites.
With experience, you could progress to a supervisory job, or choose to study further and become an electrical engineering technician or electrical engineer.
You may find the following links useful for job vacancies and further reading (links open new window):
Association of Electricity Producers
Energy Networks Association
JustUtilities.net
Utility Job Search
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