Skip to main content
National Careers Service

beta How could we improve this service? Your feedback will help.

  1. Home
  2. Explore careers
  3. Electricity distribution worker

Electricity distribution worker

Alternative titles for this job include Transmission worker, high voltage cable engineer

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

Average salary (a year)

£23,000 Starter

to

£42,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

37 to 42 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

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 distribution worker job.

Relevant courses include:

  • engineering
  • engineering technology
  • electrical engineering

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

More Information

Apprenticeship

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

  • Power Industry Substation Fitter Level 3
  • Power Industry Overhead Linesperson Level 3
  • Power Industry Distribution Cable Jointer Level 3

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

These apprenticeships can take up to 3 years to complete and combine on-the-job training with off-site study.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 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 might be able to apply for jobs directly if you've got experience and qualifications in electrical engineering or maintenance work from another industry.

More Information

Career tips

Power industry employers welcome applications from ex-military personnel who have developed technical skills during their time in the armed forces.

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:

  • knowledge of engineering science and technology
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • knowledge of public safety and security
  • the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
  • the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
  • persistence and determination
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • maths knowledge
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Restrictions and Requirements

You'll need to:

  • be able to cope with working at height
  • have a full driving licence

What you’ll do

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

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

As an electricity distribution worker, you would:

  • follow technical instructions and safety documents on each job
  • climb or erect poles and steel towers to work on overhead lines
  • dig trenches to install underground power cables
  • connect plant and components to the existing network
  • configure electrical equipment and safety systems in substations
  • find and fix faults
  • inspect and test cables, generators and switchgear
  • dismantle and remove old and disused equipment and power lines

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 and extra training, you could become:

  • a network technician
  • an electrical overhead lines supervisor or inspector
  • a network planner
  • a site or estates manager

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Level 3 Power Networks Apprentice

  • Wage: £18,648.50 a year Annually
  • Location: MARSTON, GRANTHAM

High Voltage Electrical Fitter Apprentice

  • Wage: £24,570 a year Annually
  • Location: Norman Way, Severn Bridge Industrial Estate, Portskewett, Caldicot
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

HNC Engineering (Electrical & Electronic)

  • Provider: MID-KENT COLLEGE
  • Start date: 08 September 2025
  • Location: Maidstone

HND Electrical & Electronic Engineering for England (HTQ)

  • Provider: OAKLANDS COLLEGE
  • Start date: 15 September 2025
  • Location: Welwyn Garden City
Find courses near you

Jobs In the United Kingdom

The Find a job service can help you with your search for jobs and send alerts when new jobs become available.

Search further careers

Related careers

Skills assessment

Take an assessment to learn more about your skills and the careers that might suit you.

Speak to an adviser

You can call 0800 100 900 or use webchat to speak to an adviser.

We're open:

  • 8am to 8pm Monday to Friday
  • 10am to 5pm Saturdays and bank holidays

We're closed on Sundays, Christmas Day and New Year's Day.

Is this page useful?

Yes No

Thank you for your feedback.

Thank you for your feedback. Click here if you'd like to let us know how we can improve the service.