Electricity distribution workers are sometimes known as transmission workers. They build, install and maintain the equipment, machinery and distribution systems that supply electricity to homes, industry and commerce.
The Work
They work in one of three specialist jobs at craft level.
Electrical, mechanical or control and instrument fitters work on the equipment in electricity substations.
Cable jointers work on underground cables.
Linespersons work on overhead lines.
Electrical, Mechanical or Control and Instrument Fitter
You could be:
installing equipment in substations, as well as working on other machinery that controls, protects and monitors the flow of electricity
maintaining older mechanical and newer digital equipment such as switchgear and transformers
carrying out fault finding and maintenance on control equipment such as panels, circuits and gauges
carrying out testing and repairs as necessary.
Cable Jointer
You could be:
installing and maintaining underground power cables, joining lengths of cable together
connecting underground cables over a range of voltages to overhead supply lines, electricity substations or other parts of the system
connecting homes, offices, factories and public services to the main electricity supply
testing and repairing faults caused by damage or wear and tear.
Linesperson
You could be:
building the overhead distribution lines which are supported by wooden poles or steel pylons
joining and splicing cables and conductors
testing, maintaining and repairing lines and circuits
working at heights using specialist equipment and safety harnesses.
Pay
The figures below are only a guide. Actual pay rates may vary, depending on:
where you work
the size of the company or organisation you work for
the demand for the job.
The starting salary for electricity distribution workers on completion of their apprenticeship is usually around £24,000 a year. With experience salaries can rise to between £40,000 and £50,000 a year.
Conditions
Conditions vary depending on the job.
Electrical fitters deal with substations and transmission equipment, so they sometimes work indoors. At other times, they have to work on equipment outdoors.
Cable jointers are outdoors much of the time, working in trenches where they lay cables. The conditions can be dirty and muddy. They may have to travel to different sites.
Linespersons have to climb poles and pylons and work at heights, sometimes in difficult weather conditions. They often have to travel, sometimes to very remote places.
In all cases, the work can be strenuous and involve lifting, bending and carrying.
You would wear protective clothing, such as a hard hat and safety boots.
Hours may not be regular. You may have to work shifts and weekends. You will sometimes be on standby for emergencies. You should be prepared to work long overtime hours if there is a major power failure.
You could enter through the Engineering Foundation Apprenticeship (FA) (SCQF Levels 5-7), which you can start in S5 and study at school and college. Entry requirements vary between colleges, but you usually need 3 subjects at National 5 including English and Maths. Some colleges also ask for Physics. You would also be expected to achieve Higher Maths by the end of sixth year.
You could enter through a Modern Apprenticeship (SCQF Levels 5-8). Requirements vary, but you normally need at least 3 subjects at National 5, preferably English, Maths and a science or technological subject. Some companies may accept National 4 level.
Alternatively you could start by taking a qualification in electrical engineering or a similar subject. Relevant courses include an NC, NQ (SCQF Levels 4-6) or an HNC (SCQF Level 7) or HND (SCQF Level 8).
Entry requirements range from about 3 subjects at National 4 or 5 for NC and NQ courses to 1-2 Highers for HNC and HND courses. You should normally have English, Maths and at least one science or technological subject.
You may be able to qualify by other training routes.
Certain colour vision conditions may affect entry to this job. You may need to take a colour vision test.
A driving licence would be useful.
Many electricity distribution workers work for national transmission companies or regional electricity distribution companies. Some are employed by large electrical contractors. Job opportunities across the UK are good.
Training through a Modern Apprenticeship combines on the job and off the job training and leads to SVQs at SCQF Levels 5 and 6.
If you take a college course first, you would then take a job with an employer and do further training to gain relevant qualifications.
You must also make sure that you register with a suitable safety passport scheme to prove that you have the knowledge of safety procedures to work on site. For example the Construction Safety Certification Scheme (CSCS) and/or the Basic Electrical Safety Competence for Access, Movement and Egress Scheme (BESC:ACE). See the Energy and Utilities website for more details.
Following your apprenticeship or college course and after further training with your employer, you can work towards registering as an Engineering Technician (EngTech) with the Engineering Council.
If you do not follow either of the above training routes, you may still be able to achieve EngTech by another approved route. You can check these alternative routes with the Engineering Council or with the relevant professional engineering institution.
Getting On
After gaining experience, you may be promoted to become a supervisor and perhaps move into management later.
Engineering Technicians (EngTech) usually work under the general supervision of professional electrical or electronic engineers.
With further study and training, technicians can progress to become electrical or electronic engineers at the higher levels of Incorporated Engineer (IEng) and Chartered Engineer (CEng).
More Information
The Engineering Council sets and maintains the standards of the engineering profession in the UK. It does so through 50 professional engineering institutions which are Licensed Members of the Engineering Council.
The Tomorrow’s Engineers website has more information on careers in engineering.
Energy and Utility Skills is the Sector Skills Council for the electricity, gas, waste management and water sectors. Their website Talent Source Network provides information on careers in the energy and utilities sector.
Was this article useful?
Please help us improve Planit by rating this article.
2024
