What do Powerline Workers do?
Powerline Workers service conductors (powerlines) supplying electricity to consumers. They construct and maintain overhead distribution lines and attend to faults as required.
Powerline Workers may perform the following tasks:
- Erection and removal of poles
- Run overhead conductor (lines)
- Installation of high voltage switchgear
- Installation of sub-stations
- Augmentation of existing overhead conductors and apparatus
- Attend to power outages
- Maintain/replace overhead substations
- Upgrade/replace failed or existing conductors
- Connection and disconnection of premises on the electricity
- network
How do I become a Powerline Worker?
To become a Powerline Worker, you have to complete an Australian Apprenticeship, being the Certificate III in ESI (Powerline). Entry requirements may vary but employers require year 10, but prefer year 12. Training is both on and off the job with the schooling component being delivered by the Aurora Training School and TAFE Tasmania.
Qualifying as a Powerline Worker involves:
- Four year commitment
- Attending paid work for the duration of the apprenticeship
- Attending off-the-job training
Ideal personal requirements to be a Powerline Worker include:
- Willing and able to work in all outdoor weather conditions
- Comfortable working at heights (on ladders, poles or elevated
- work platforms)
- Enjoy mathematical and technical activities
- Good hand-eye co-ordination
- Problem solving ability
- Physically fit
- Good communication skills