Electricity Distribution Worker

Introduction

Electricity distribution workers maintain and repair electricity generating systems. They may specialise in working on substation equipment, underground cables or overhead power lines.

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Work Activities

Electricity distribution workers maintain the local electricity generating systems that supply homes and industry with heat, light and power. There are several types of job within this area.

Electrical fitters install, repair and maintain all types of generating equipment within substations, such as transformers, switchgears or other types of equipment that are used to control and monitor the flow of energy.

Cable jointers work on underground distribution cables, making connections to overhead lines or other parts of the generating system. They also repair cables.

Linesmen/women build overhead electricity distribution lines, maintain equipment and carry out repairs as necessary.

Electricity can be very dangerous, so electricity distribution workers may need a strict 'permit to work' before they can begin the installation or repair of equipment or cables.

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Personal Qualities and Skills

To be an electricity distribution worker, you must be able to follow safety procedures; electricity supply plants can be highly dangerous. You must have strong manual and mechanical skills.

Linesmen/women must have a head for heights, while jointers and general duties assistants, who often work in trenches, must not mind working in cramped and dirty conditions in all types of weather. You need to be physically fit.

You should be good at fault finding and solving problems.

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Pay and Opportunities

The pay rates given below are approximate.

Electricity distribution workers earn in the range of £370 - £420 a week, rising to £480 - £530 a week. Higher earners can make around £590 a week.

Electricity distribution workers usually work a basic 40-hour week, which may include weekend work. Distribution workers are normally required to work weekends and be available for standby duty. Overtime is usually available.

Most electricity distribution workers work for electricity companies.

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Adult Opportunities

It is now illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

People are most likely to enter this work as general duties assistants or as craft attendants helping craft workers.

An increasing number of employers take on adults and train them because of a shortage of school leavers entering training.

Modern Apprenticeships may be available in some areas.

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New Developments

Some people working in this occupation may be involved in the green jobs sector in areas such as renewable energy.