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Electricity generation worker

Alternative titles for this job include Power station worker

Electricity generation workers operate and maintain equipment in power stations.

Average salary (a year)

£19,000 Starter

to

£35,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

40 to 42 a week

You could work

evenings / weekends on shifts

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become an electricity generation worker

You can get into this job through:

  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship
  • working towards this role
  • applying directly

College

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 Engineering Maintenance
  • Level 3 Diploma in Electrical and Electronic Engineering

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 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

More Information

Apprenticeship

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

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

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

More Information

Work

Some power generation companies run their own training programmes for workers at all levels who have the potential to become successful technicians and engineers.

Direct Application

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

More Information

Further information

You can find out more about careers in the power industry from Energy and Utilities Jobs and National Grid.

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

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
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
  • the ability to work on your own
  • knowledge of maths
  • to be flexible and open to change
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Restrictions and Requirements

You'll need to:

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

In this job, you'll:

  • operate machinery inside a plant, or run it remotely from a control room
  • carry out scheduled maintenance work
  • find and fix faults
  • test equipment to make sure it's working safely
  • respond to emergencies, for example shutting down a part of a plant
  • work closely with engineers and contractors
  • keep accurate work records

Working environment

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

You may need to wear protective clothing.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and 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.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

We can't find any apprenticeship vacancies in England for an electricity generation worker right now.

The Find an apprenticeship service can help you with your search, send alerts when new apprenticeships become available and has advice on how to apply.

Courses In England

Power Engineering Courses (TM)

  • Provider: TYNE COAST COLLEGE
  • Start date: 02 September 2024
  • Location: Wallsend

Diploma in Engineering Technology

  • Provider: UNITED COLLEGES GROUP
  • Start date: 02 September 2024
  • Location: London

Jobs In the United Kingdom

The Find a job service can help you with your search for jobs and send alerts when new jobs become available.

Skills assessment

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