HV technician
Ready to take your electrical career to the next level? Play a key role in maintaining major power networks as an HV technician.
Also known as: high voltage electrical technician, hv maintenance technician, high voltage maintenance technician, hv electrical technician, high voltage technician
About the job
What it's like
Power up your career as a high voltage (HV) technician!
You’ll work on electrical systems that operate at medium to high voltages. Your expertise will keep electricity networks safe, reliable and running smoothly.
HV technicians are found in many different areas. For example, you may work on an offshore wind farm. In this kind of role, you’ll specialise in installing, maintaining and repairing high-voltage systems on the wind farm. Your time will be split between offshore and onshore tasks.
Alternatively, you could work in manufacturing and heavy industry. In this area, HV technicians maintain the high-voltage systems that keep machinery and production lines running safely.
You’ll probably work closely with HV cable engineers. While you focus on the electrical system overall, they’ll work on the technical correctness of cabling work.
If you’re an electrician or electrical engineering technician who wants to take next step in your career – a role as an HV technician could be the spark you need!
Your tasks might include:
installing, connecting and commissioning high-voltage equipment such as transformers, circuit breakers and cables
diagnosing faults in equipment or circuits, then replacing or repairing them
performing electrical tests and using special diagnostic equipment to detect faults
safely operating high-voltage switches and isolating equipment for maintenance
making sure that new equipment meets design specifications, safety standards and regulatory requirements
coordinating with engineers, supervisors, other technicians and Senior Authorised Persons (SAPs) during projects or emergencies
Green job
In this job, you'll do work that helps the environment. Find out more about green jobs.
Explore more information about this job
Here are some useful links to learn more about this career:
Skills Development Scotland – Career Opportunities in Scotland across Offshore Wind
Global Wind Organisation (GWO) – learn about additional training you’ll need to do before you can work on an offshore energy project
Energy Utilities Careers – find out more about jobs across the energy and utilities sector
Like the sound of this career?
Browse courses in Scotland related to 'HV technician'
Select qualification level(s)
Other careers that you might like
-
Electronics engineering technician
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.
-
Transport -
Energy -
Engineering and manufacturing -
Digital technologies -
Construction and built environment
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.
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- working with numbers
- problem solving
- time management
- persevering
- developing a plan
- cooperating
- concentrating
- adaptability
- analysing
- attention to detail
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 each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
-
Foundation Apprenticeship: Scientific Technologies (Laboratory Skills)
-
Practical Electronics
-
Physics
-
Computing Science
-
Environmental Science
-
Engineering Science
-
Maths (Mathematics)
-
Design and Technology
You can get a head start in this career by doing a Foundation Apprenticeship in S5 and S6.
You'll get an SCQF level 6 qualification which is the same level as a Higher. You'll also learn new skills and gain valuable experience in a work environment.
Discover what's on offer at your school on Apprenticeships.scot.
Most HV technicians have electrical-based qualifications and work experience.
Once you apply for an HV technician vacancy, employers will often help you gain any extra qualifications or certifications needed for the role.
Let’s explore the routes you can take.
College
Getting qualifications at college, such as an HNC or HND, could help you find a job. Useful subjects include:
Electrical Engineering
Engineering
Engineering Systems
Electrical and Mechanical Engineering Systems
Use the My World of Work course search to find HNCs and HNDs.
Apprenticeships
Modern Apprenticeships (MAs) mean you learn on the job. You get paid and work towards a qualification at the same time.
You might want to consider an MA in Electrical Installation or Power Distribution. Look out for opportunities with companies that specialise in high-voltage work.
Work
Many employers expect HV technicians to have work experience in electrical maintenance or installation. Ideally, you’ll have spent time working with systems relevant to high voltage such as switchgear, substations or power networks.
Use the My World of Work job search to find vacancies.
You’ll need a full UK driving licence to apply for some HV technician roles.
Having a CSCS/ECS Card shows basic site competence as well as health and safety awareness.
To work offshore, you must have certificates from the Global Wind Organisation (GWO).
You’ll need Authorised Person (HV) or Competent Person (HV) certification before you can work in a high-voltage environment.
Most HV technicians have a First Aid and CPR certificate.
You generally need to be at least 18 years old to work with high-voltage electrical systems.
Find the right course for you
Browse courses in Scotland related to 'HV technician'
