- the ability to operate and control equipment
- observation and recording skills
- the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
- knowledge of computer operating systems, hardware and software
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
- patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
- the ability to work on your own
- thinking and reasoning skills
- to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device
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 may need to wear protective clothing.
You could work in a control room or in a workshop.
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.
You can find out more about careers in the power industry from Talent Source Network and National Grid.
