Electricity Generation Worker

Typical Salary

£18,000 To £35,000

Typical Hours

40 to 42 a week

evenings / weekends on shifts

How To Become a Electricity Generation Worker

You can get into this job through:

a college course
an apprenticeship
working towards this role
applying directly

College / University

You could take a college course, which would teach you some of the skills needed to apply for a trainee job. Relevant courses include:

Level 2 Certificate in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering
Level 3 Diploma in Maintenance Engineering Technology

2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course

4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course

Apprenticeship

You can get into this job through an electrical networks power engineer higher apprenticeship.

4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

Routes into this Career

Some power generation companies run their own training programmes for people who have the potential to become successful trainees.

You could apply for vacancies directly if you've got experience in mechanical or electrical maintenance in another industry, or from the armed forces.

Other Routes

Other Routes are not listed for this job.

Skills And Knowledge

You'll need:

the ability to operate and control equipment
observation and recording skills
the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
knowledge of computer operating systems, hardware and software
to be thorough and pay attention to detail
the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
the ability to work on your own
to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Day To Day Tasks

Your day-to-day tasks may include:

operating machinery in a power plant, or running it remotely from a control room
finding and fixing faults
handling materials used to generate electricity
testing equipment
reacting to emergencies, for example shutting down a system

Working Environment

You could work in a control room or in a workshop.

You may need to wear protective clothing.

Career Path & Progression

You could become a supervisor, control and instrumentation engineer or operations or maintenance technician.

You could also take a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in power engineering and become an electrical or mechanical engineer.

Volunteering Opportunities

Volunteering Opportunities are not listed for this job.

Tips & Information

Further information

You can find out more about careers in the power industry from Talent Source Network and National Grid.

Restrictions & Requirements

Restrictions & Requirements are not listed for this job.