Electricity distribution worker
Power homes and businesses by inspecting, repairing and upgrading electrical lines.
Also known as: transmission worker

About the job
What it's like
Electricity distribution workers keep the power flowing to homes, businesses and public spaces. You'll work indoors and outdoors, making sure electricity gets where it’s needed, safely and reliably.
You'll focus on installing, maintaining and repairing the network of cables, substations and equipment that deliver electricity from power stations to users. You'll often work at heights, in all weathers and sometimes during emergencies.
One of the most rewarding aspects is restoring power after storms or faults, knowing your work keeps communities running. You’ll use technical skills and problem-solving every day, whether you’re fixing a fault, upgrading equipment or connecting new buildings to the grid.
You could work in the energy sector, doing projects for utility companies, contractors or local authorities. Some electricity distribution workers specialise in overhead lines, while others focus on underground cables or substations.
Your tasks might include:
inspecting and maintaining overhead power lines and poles
repairing faults on underground cables
installing new electrical equipment and connections
testing systems to make sure they’re safe and reliable
responding to emergency call-outs, often outside normal hours
following strict safety procedures and using protective equipment
Green job
In this job you could be doing work to help the environment. You might:
support the integration of renewable energy sources into the grid
help reduce energy loss by maintaining efficient infrastructure
Explore more information about this job
Here are some useful links to learn more about this career:
Energy and Utility Skills – careers information about the energy and utilities sector
Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) – learn more about getting your CSCS card
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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.
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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.
- time management
- managing resources
- developing a plan
- attention to detail
- problem solving
- working with technology
- verbal communication
- cooperating

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:
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Design and Manufacture
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Engineering Science
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Practical Craft Skills
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Practical Electronics
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Skills for Work: Energy
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Skills for Work: Engineering Skills
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Skills for Work: Building Services Engineering
There are a few ways you can become an electricity distribution worker.
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 Power Distribution.
College
Getting qualifications at college, such as an HNC or HND, may help you secure a job as an elecricity distribution worker. You could study:
Electrical Engineering
Engineering Systems
Electrical Power Engineering
Use the My World of Work course search to find HNCs or HNDs.
Work
Already work in the electrical industry? You may be able to use your skills and qualifications to apply for roles directly.
Use the My World of Work job search to find vacancies.
A driving licence will help you get between jobs.
You must have a Construction Safety Certification Scheme (CSCS) card and/or have done the Basic Electrical Safety Competence Scheme (BESC).
All electricity distribution workers need normal colour vision, to work with electrical wiring.
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