You could take a college course, which would teach you some of the skills needed to apply for a trainee distribution worker job.

Relevant courses include:

• engineering
• engineering technology
• electrical engineering

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

You could apply to do an advanced apprenticeship, such as:

• Power Industry Substation Fitter Level 3
• Power Industry Overhead Linesperson Level 3
• Power Industry Distribution Cable Jointer Level 3

You could also do an Electrical Power Networks Engineer Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship.

These apprenticeships can take up to 3 years to complete and combine on-the-job training with off-site study.

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

If you're already working in the power industry, you may be able to apply for a place on an engineering training programme run by your employer.

You might be able to apply for jobs directly if you've got experience and qualifications in electrical engineering or maintenance work from another industry.

You'll need:

• knowledge of engineering science and technology
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• knowledge of public safety and security
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• persistence and determination
• excellent verbal communication skills
• maths knowledge
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

You'll need to:

• be able to cope with working at height
• have a full driving licence

As an electricity distribution worker, you would:

• follow technical instructions and safety documents on each job
• climb or erect poles and steel towers to work on overhead lines
• dig trenches to install underground power cables
• connect plant and components to the existing network
• configure electrical equipment and safety systems in substations
• find and fix faults
• inspect and test cables, generators and switchgear
• dismantle and remove old and disused equipment and power lines

You could work in remote rural areas.

Your working environment may be outdoors in all weathers, at height and physically demanding.

You may need to wear safety clothing and use safety equipment.