Power industry substation fitter - Substation fitter - distribution maintenance

Substation fitters work in the power industry for power network owners, operators, or contractors.

They work in and around substations. A substation is a part of an electrical generation, transmission, and distribution system. Substations transform voltage from high to low, or the reverse, and other important functions. Between the generating station and consumer, electric power may flow through several substations at different voltage levels.

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 relevant to their role. The options are:

• Option 1. Substation fitter - distribution maintenance
• Option 2. Substation fitter - transmission maintenance
• Option 3. Substation fitter - construction

Substation maintenance fitters inspect, test and maintain substation equipment, earthing and batteries, and carry out repairs. They specialise in distribution or transmission. Distribution maintenance covers systems operating typically between 1,000 - 132,000 volts, whereas transmission maintenance covers systems operating typically between 132,000 - 400,000 volts, with differences in equipment and working procedures.

Substation construction fitters install new substation equipment and earthing and conduct testing of the installation. They may also conduct refurbishment and decommissioning.

Substation fitters – maintenance and construction - 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. Substation distribution maintenance fitters also conduct electrical switching operations. Substation transmission maintenance fitters also conduct functional tests of transmission protection systems and devices.

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 and in confined spaces.

Substation fitters work with other fitters and support operatives. They also have contact with other internal and external stakeholders. This may include the network management centre, customer call centre, project managers, commissioning engineers, safety teams, site managers, other trades, and subcontractors. 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 operational engineer.

They help 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, 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 the required 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.