Electricity distribution worker
Electricity distribution workers maintain and repair the power lines and cables that connect homes and businesses to the national grid.
Also known as: Transmission worker, high voltage cable engineer
- Starter salary£23,000 a year
- Experienced£42,000 a year
- Typical hours37 to 42 a week
- Green jobPotential
What you'll do
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.
Skills and knowledge you'll need
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
How to become a 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 distribution worker job.
Relevant courses include:
- engineering
- engineering technology
- electrical engineering
Entry requirements
Entry requirements for these courses vary.
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
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.
Restrictions and requirements
You'll need to:
- be able to cope with working at height
- have a full driving licence
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
Career tips
Power industry employers welcome applications from ex-military personnel who have developed technical skills during their time in the armed forces.
Guides for this industry
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Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0