Electricity distribution worker

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

• a college course
• an apprenticeship
• working towards this role
• applying directly

Entry requirements:

College

You could take a college course, which would teach you some of the skills needed to apply for a trainee job. Relevant courses include:

• Level 2 Certificate in Engineering
• Level 3 Diploma in Engineering Technology

Entry requirements:

• 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course
• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course

Apprenticeship

You could apply to do an advanced apprenticeship, such as:

• Power Network Craftsperson Level 3
• Power Industry Overhead Linesperson Level 3
• Power Industry Distribution Cable Jointer Level 3

You could also do a Electrical Power Networks Engineer Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship.

These apprenticeships can take up to 3 years to complete.

Entry requirements:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science
• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

Work

If you're already working in the power industry, you may be able to apply for a place on an engineering training programme run by your employer.

DirectApplication

You may be able to apply for jobs if you've got experience in electrical engineering maintenance work from another industry, or from the armed forces.

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Skills:

• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• knowledge of public safety and security
• persistence and determination
• excellent verbal communication skills
• thinking and reasoning skills
• ambition and a desire to succeed
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• knowledge of engineering science and technology
• active listening skills
• the ability to read English
• the ability to monitor your own performance and that of your colleagues
• observation and recording skills
• maths knowledge
• the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
• knowledge of English language
• knowledge of computer operating systems, hardware and software
• concentration skills
• the ability to work well with your hands

What you'll do:

Electricity distribution workers maintain and repair the power lines that connect homes and businesses to the national grid.

In your day-to-day duties you could:

• keep equipment in good working order
• install and dismantle equipment like transmission cables
• assemble or remove components
• adjust and configure electrical systems
• find and diagnose faults
• inspect and test cables and other equipment

Location : You could work in remote rural areas.
Environment : Your working environment may be outdoors in all weathers, at height and physically demanding.
Uniform : You may need to wear safety clothing and use safety equipment.

Salary:

Starter : £21,000
Experienced : £35,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

42 - 44 hours a week

Working Pattern is evenings / weekends / bank holidays on a rota

Career Path:

With experience, you could progress to team leader.

With further study you could become an electrical engineering technician or network control engineer.