I want to be an Overhead Linesman.
I want to be an Overhead Linesman.
Author
Discussion

Elli5

Original Poster:

101 posts

236 months

Monday 2nd December 2013
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Hi guys, I wonder if there are some of you here that may be able help?

Are there any overhead/woodpole linesman on the forum? I'm trying to make a career change that will provide challenges anew and restore my enthusiasm for getting out of bed on a weekday morning. I've long been in a desk based job for most of my working career and it's not what I want from life. Lately I've been self funding courses to help me further my passion for working outdoors-sounds reet cheesy I know but I'm ready for a new challenge doing something that enthuses me with potential for career progression.

If anyone has any advice with regards to relevant courses/qualifications that would help me get a foot in the door and any thoughts or stories about the industry it would be brilliant to hear from you!

Cheers

Lee

expensivegarms

683 posts

226 months

Monday 2nd December 2013
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Hello mate,

Have you tried applying for advanced apprenticeships with companies such as UK Power Networks, Freedom, BTS Electrical or others who are in your area? I've just been through UK Powers recruitment process for their advanced apprenticeship and should be hearing tomorrow whether I've got the job!

They could be a good place to start. Do some research on what they do, research the company, what voltages they work on, how many people they employ, how many customers they have etc.

Good luck!

ETA: just seen your location, have a look at WPD or their contractors.

Tannedbaldhead

3,190 posts

161 months

Monday 2nd December 2013
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Linesman? Hope you know the offside rule rotate

Markp13

422 posts

189 months

Monday 2nd December 2013
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You want to be a linesman for your county?

If you are keen, it shouldn't be a problem. There is a massive skills shortage in this country.

x type

1,018 posts

219 months

Monday 2nd December 2013
quotequote all
forget WPD as suggested above ,it's the wrong area

you need to contact

http://www.sppowersystems.co.uk/about_us/

I've been an overhead linesman for about 33 years .

I Enjoy it , but

Hope you like lack of sleep , freezing your hands,feet and nuts off in winter , enjoy working in the pouring down rain , and whatever else the weather throws at you in the middle of the night when you wish you had listened in school and became a bank manager !!!

On top of that you need to take the abuse when someone who has been without power for 1 - 2 hours or more and you turn up to restore their power and all you get is .......

"where the kin ell have you been I can't use me laptop cos of you lot and the kids can't use the x- box or watch t.v "

You got to smile and point out the recent 80 m.p.h wind has blown their tree across the powerline feeding their house and snapped it .
Would love to tell them where to stick their tree .

But then again in the "summer" months it can be brilliant working outdoors cool

have a look here at a vacancy for a qualified linesman

sounds good money but you have to work on LIVE 240 and 11,000 volts yikesyikes

http://www.cv-library.co.uk/cgi-bin/view-job.cgi?j...








Edited by x type on Monday 2nd December 21:37


Edited by x type on Monday 2nd December 21:41


Edited by x type on Monday 2nd December 21:41

expensivegarms

683 posts

226 months

Monday 2nd December 2013
quotequote all
x type said:
forget WPD as suggested above, it's the wrong area.
My apologies, was just going off what I *thought* I knew from some tree cutter mates who work in that area!

Elli5

Original Poster:

101 posts

236 months

Monday 2nd December 2013
quotequote all
x type & expensivegarms many thanks for your thoughts and advice, it's all very much appreciated!

Aye, the outdoors element is something I'm well prepared for and something I'm not too phased by what with being a bit of a country bumkin and all! I've sat at a desk for a few years too many and really need the challenge both physically and mentally!

I'll keep updating this thread with my progress for anyone else who might have an interest, thanks again!

Good luck expensivegarms!

x type

1,018 posts

219 months

Monday 2nd December 2013
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p.m. me if you want more info

as I said I've done it for 30 + years


Art0ir

9,423 posts

199 months

Tuesday 3rd December 2013
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Could I get a PM too?

x type

1,018 posts

219 months

Tuesday 3rd December 2013
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If you let me know how to do it

never done one before ! wink

Elli5

Original Poster:

101 posts

236 months

Wednesday 4th December 2013
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x type said:
p.m. me if you want more info

as I said I've done it for 30 + years
Pm on its way!

x type

1,018 posts

219 months

Thursday 5th December 2013
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And replied to you

Wacky Racer

41,273 posts

276 months

Thursday 5th December 2013
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