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Electricity distribution worker

Make sure the electricity works safely in people's homes and businesses.

Also known as: transmission worker

About skillsGetting in

About the job

Salary

Source: LMI for All

Weekly

£540

Average

Monthly

£2,340

Average

Yearly

£28,080

Average

5,300

people are currently employed

Low growth

100 fewer jobs in 5 years

These figures refer to this job and similar ones with comparable skills and qualifications. They only apply to Scotland. Source: Oxford Economics

What it's like

You would look after and fix the power lines that get electricity from power stations to homes, industries and businesses.

You could work in one of three main areas of electricity transmission.

In overhead transmission or lines work, you’d maintain and repair overhead power lines.

As a cable jointer you’d join and repair underground cables. You’d connect customers to the electricity supply network.

Working in electrical fitting you’d install, repair and maintain the high voltage equipment which controls electricity flow.

You would:

  • Keep equipment in good working order

  • Do switching operations

  • Install and dismantle equipment such as transmission cables

  • Assemble or remove components

  • Adjust and configure electrical systems

  • Find and diagnose faults

  • Inspect and test cables and other equipment

You would need to understand the principles of electricity. You’d follow strict health and safety procedures at all times.

Hours

You would work a 37-hour week which may include shifts, as you would often be part of a standby rota for emergencies outside normal working hours. Overtime may be necessary.

Environment

Conditions can vary. Much of the work takes place outside, in all weather conditions. You'd be working at heights when repairing overhead power lines work, using safety access equipment.

Travel

You're likely to need a driving licence to travel from site to site.

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Related industries

Many jobs can be done in lots of different industries. We've highlighted the ones we think are most important for this job.

  • Energy
  • Construction and built environment
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Top skills

Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!

It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.

Here are some of the skills you'll need to do this job:

  • time management
  • managing resources
  • developing a plan
  • attention to detail
  • problem solving
  • working with technology
  • verbal communication
  • cooperating

Your skills are important

Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.

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Getting in

Explore the sections shown for more information about getting into this career.

You might have qualifications which are not shown here but will allow you access to a course. You can compare your qualifications by looking at their SCQF Level. For more information about this, check out the SCQF website.

Always contact the college, university or training provider to check exactly what you'll need.

Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:

  • Design and Manufacture

  • Engineering Science

  • Practical Craft Skills

  • Practical Electronics

  • Skills for Work: Energy

  • Skills for Work: Engineering Skills

  • Skills for Work: Building Services Engineering

You would need a Modern Apprenticeship leading to a relevant Scottish Vocational Qualifications in Electrical Installation (SVQ Level 3).

Or a National Certificate (SCQF level 7); a National Qualification (SCQF level 7); a Higher National Certificate (SCQF level 7) or a Higher National Diploma (SCQF level 8) in areas like Electrical Engineering.

Requirements vary for a Modern Apprenticeship but employers may ask for qualifications at SCQF Level 4/5.

You can enter some National Certificate or National Qualification courses (SCQF 2-6) with no formal qualifications but most courses ask for National 4/5 qualifications (SCQF level 4/5). You can enter Higher National Certificate (SCQF level 7) or Higher National Diploma courses (SCQF Level 8) with National 4/5 qualifications and one to two Highers or equivalent qualifications.

  • Qualifications that demonstrate understanding and experience of the industry such as Skills for Work Engineering Skills (SCQF Level 5)

  • A driving licence

  • A Construction Safety Certification Scheme (CSCS) card and/or the Basic Electrical Safety Competence Scheme (BESC)

  • Normal colour vision, to work with electrical wiring

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