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Electricity distribution worker

Alternative titles for this job include Transmission worker, electrical craftsperson

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

Average salary (a year)

£21,000 Starter

to

£35,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

42 to 44 a week

You could work

evenings / weekends / bank holidays on a rota

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become Electricity distribution worker

You can get into this job through:

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

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

You may need:

  • 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

More Information

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

You'll usually need:

  • 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

More Information

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.

Direct Application

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.

More Information

Further information

You can get more advice about working in the power industry from Energy and Utilities jobs and National Grid.

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • 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
  • to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Restrictions and Requirements

You'll need to:

  • be able to cope with working at height

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

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

Working environment

You could work in remote rural areas.

Your working environment may be outdoors in all weathers, at height and physically demanding.

You may need to wear safety clothing and use safety equipment.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

With experience, you could progress to team leader.

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

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Level 4 Apprentice in Electrical and Electronic Engineering

  • Wage: £22,230 a year Annually
  • Location: Spetchley Road, Worcester, Worcestershire
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

HNC IN ELECTRICAL & ELECTRONIC ENGINEERING

  • Provider: HARTLEPOOL COLLEGE OF FURTHER EDUCATION
  • Start date: 16 September 2024
  • Location: HARTLEPOOL

BEng (Hons) in Engineering (Electrical/Electronic Engineering) - Middlesbrough College

  • Provider: MIDDLESBROUGH COLLEGE
  • Start date: 16 September 2024
  • Location: Middlesbrough
Find courses near you

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