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Electricity Distribution Worker

Do you want to become a Electricity Distribution Worker? Here is some information to help point you in the right direction:

Job Description - Print Page

Electricity distribution workers build and maintain the network of overhead lines, underground cables and other equipment that brings electricity to our homes, schools, factories and farms across the UK.

They work at three different craft levels, as jointers, linespersons or electrical fitters:

• jointers work on underground cables, joining and repairing lengths of cable and connecting them to overhead lines or to other parts of the system
• linespersons build and repair overhead lines, using a ladder and a safety harness to reach them
• electrical fitters install, repair and maintain the equipment in the substations and the machinery that controls, protects and monitors the electricity flow.

They install and test wiring systems, checking equipment on a regular basis for safety reasons. They also install and repair electrical equipment used in factories or large manufacturing or engineering companies, and put together electrical and electronic appliances such as control panels or transformers for customers.

Distribution workers normally work 37 hours a week. Weekend work, overtime and standby duties are likely. It can be strenuous work, and workers could be out in all weathers. 
 
New entrants earn around £10,000 a year, and salaries for senior distribution workers can be around £25,000.
 
 Electricity distribution workers should:

• have good practical skills
• be physically fit
• be patient and able to pay attention to detail
• have a good head for heights if they are linespersons.
   

They are employed by regional electricity companies. Some work for large electrical contractors. This is a growing area of employment across the whole of the UK and there are more vacancies than applicants.
 
The normal entry route is with an employer as an apprentice. Trainees undertake on-the-job practical training combined with time at college. They work towards City & Guilds qualifications at college, and a NVQ/SVQ through assessment at work.
 
People can start at any age, as long as they are physically fit.
 
Progress is possible to craft-level jobs and eventually to general supervisory and technician jobs, once an apprenticeship has been successfully completed and workers have obtained relevant experience.
 

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