Getting into HV(high voltage)industry?

[sefton]

Hi guys,I'm looking to get into this industry.Basically I been a vehicle tech for just over 20 years,working for various companies and organisations at Master tech level.I know it's totally different but I do enjoy problem solving and diagnostics in my current job on some complex electronic/electrical and mechanical systems,and was hoping some of these skills I've gained may help me get a foot on the ladder in the HV industry.

Does anybody have any suggestions on courses/companies to approach/training?help needed as I've seriously got bored in working as a tech and need a fresh challenge.

[sefton]

P.S thanks in advance.

[expensivegarms]

Have a look on your local power companies website, I know power companies are crying out of HV and LV linesmen and technicians at the moment, its the route I want to take as well. From what I've seen and heard from the blokes I work in conjunction with on site, its a very good job and skillset to have!

[sefton]

Thanks E/G will have a look on the local utility websites.I'm wondering if there's some kind of course,perhaps safety related to give me a good start.Hope you have success finding a position.I'll keep u posted how I get on.

[expensivegarms]

If you wanted to get a bit of a head start, you could look at doing a UA4 course or an IPAF MEWP ticket? A UA4 comes under the utility arboriculture tickets, but is in fact an electrical ticket in putting up earths and bonds. Maybe worth a shot doing? It would help show that you wanted to do it too. A MEWP course would just be to show that you can use a hoist/cherry picker. Easy enough, it's half a days training and an assessment in the afternoon.

I did look into getting onto the City and Guilds qualification that they do, I think it's the number of the course is 2332, but it is only available through an employer, irritatingly enough. I'd have done that a long time ago if I could have done!

[stuarthat]

you can look at scottish and southern or ukpn depending on your area,and decide if you want to be an engineer ap or sap or jointer /fitter .