Electricity distribution worker
Make sure the electricity works safely in people's homes and businesses.
Also known as: transmission worker
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
Environment
Travel
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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.
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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