Power industry overhead linesperson - Power industry overhead linesperson - transmission

Overhead linespersons work in the power industry for power utility owners, operators, or contractors.

They work on overhead line power distribution and transmission networks. Distribution lines carry electricity from a substation to consumers - residential and commercial. Transmission lines move electricity from a power plant or power station to the various substations. There are differences in equipment and working procedures between the two networks.

The Office of gas and electricity markets (Ofgem) regulates the industry.

This is a core and options apprenticeship. An apprentice must be trained and assessed on the core and one option. The options are:

• Option 1. Power industry overhead linesperson - distribution
• Option 2. Power industry overhead linesperson - transmission

Distribution overhead linespersons work on small scale structures, typically capable of carrying up to 132,000 volts, and their support mechanisms.

Transmission overhead linespersons work on large support structures for example steel towers, typically capable of carrying 132,000 volts and above, and their support mechanisms.

Both transmission and distribution overhead linespersons conduct planned and reactive work to maintain and repair plant and equipment. They work on and near live apparatus. They receive safety documents and organise and supervise a working party (group of workers). They monitor working conditions and react to maintain safety. Completing work and safety records is also part of their role. They work at sites across a company’s or client’s power network. This means they may have to drive vehicles requiring driving licenses. They work in all weather conditions. They may have to be on standby duty and work shifts outside normal working hours. The role requires a good level of physical ability and working at height.

Distribution overhead linespersons also construct distribution overhead line plant and apparatus for example, wooden poles. And their work may involve working on customers’ premises or property.

Overhead linespersons work with other linespersons and support operatives. They also have contact with other internal and external stakeholders. This may include engineers, managers, reinstatement teams, and admin staff. On a site they may interact with site agents and other trades. They speak with domestic and commercial customers regarding work and sometimes the public to keep them updated on work progress. They typically report to an experienced overhead linesperson.

They help to maintain the safe supply of electricity and the development of flexible networks that are vital to achieving environmentally sustainable networks. Work must comply with the Electricity Safety, Quality, and Continuity Regulations (ESQCR). Safety is a top priority for the industry. They must comply with health, safety and environmental, and sustainability regulations and procedures. Failure to do so could have serious consequences for self, others, and the environment. They must complete tasks in line with the network's procedures and specifications, to set timescales and unit costs. They must present a professional image of the company and themselves. They must be competent to hold an authorisation to fulfil their duties under their company’s safety rules.

They may need to hold CSCS (construction skills certification scheme card) cards.