Power Station Worker
Job Description:Power station workers operate and maintain equipment in power stations.
Job Category:What you will do:
You could work in the following types of power generation:
- coal and gas
- nuclear
- hydro-electricity
- wind
- solar
- biomass (burning timber and waste)
Your day-to-day tasks may include:
- operating machinery in a power plant, or running it remotely from a control room
- finding and fixing faults
- handling materials used to generate electricity
- testing equipment
- reacting to emergencies, for example shutting down a system
You’ll need to follow strict safety procedures and environmental good practice.
Skills:
You’ll need:
- the ability to operate and control equipment
- observation and recording skills
- the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
- knowledge of maths
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently
As well as:
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail (organisational skills)
- patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations (leadership skills)
- the ability to work on your own (drive)
- to be flexible and open to change (adaptability skills)
Entry Requirements:
You can get into this job through an apprenticeship. You could also start as a trainee.
Experience in engineering or maintenance work could help you get into this career. Engineering qualifications could also help.
Most employers will expect you to have studied the subjects:
- English
- maths
- science or engineering, or design and technology
You must register with a power industry safety scheme.
Working Hours and Environment:
You’ll usually work 40 hours and do a 5-day week. You may work shifts including nights and weekends or be on standby for emergencies.
You could be in a clean control room or a dusty repair workshop. You’ll wear protective clothing.
Career Path & Progression:
With experience, you could become a supervisor, control and instrumentation engineer or operations or maintenance technician.
You could also take a foundation degree or degree in power engineering and become an electrical or mechanical engineer.