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Electricity distribution worker

transmission worker
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Construction and building
Produce

Career outlook for electricity distribution worker

Average UK salary

£28,080

Currently employed in Scotland

5,400

"LMI for All" supplies our salary and employment status information. "Oxford Economics" supplies job forecasts and employment figures. Due to COVID-19 the jobs market is constantly changing. Some of the information may not reflect the current situation.

What's it 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.

Working conditions

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.

UK employment status

Full-time

58%

Part-time

14%

Self employed

27%

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  • Cooperating
  • Verbal communication
  • Working with technology
  • Problem solving
  • Attention to detail
  • Developing a plan
  • Managing resources
  • Time management

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Getting in

Entry requirements for courses can change. Always contact the college, university or training provider to check exactly what you'll need.

Qualifications

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.

Useful subjects

  • Maths (required by many courses and employers) 
  • Science subjects, in particular physics (required by many courses and employers) 
  • English
  • Technologies subjects such as engineering science

You will also need

  • A Construction Safety Certification Scheme (CSCS) card and/or the Basic Electrical Safety Competence Scheme (BESC)
  • Normal colour vision, to work with electrical wiring

 

Helpful to have

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