Constructing or maintaining power industry substations.
Substation fitters work in the power industry for power network owners, operators, or contractors.
They work in and around substations. A substation is a part of an electrical generation, transmission, and distribution system. Substations transform voltage from high to low, or the reverse, and other important functions. Between the generating station and consumer, electric power may flow through several substations at different voltage levels.
The Office of gas and electricity markets (Ofgem) regulates the industry.
This is a core and options apprenticeship. An apprentice must be trained and assessed on the core and one option relevant to their role. The options are:
Substation maintenance fitters inspect, test and maintain substation equipment, earthing and batteries, and carry out repairs. They specialise in distribution or transmission. Distribution maintenance covers systems operating typically between 1,000 - 132,000 volts, whereas transmission maintenance covers systems operating typically between 132,000 - 400,000 volts, with differences in equipment and working procedures.
Substation construction fitters install new substation equipment and earthing and conduct testing of the installation. They may also conduct refurbishment and decommissioning.
Substation fitters – maintenance and construction - receive safety documents and organise and supervise a working party (group of workers). They monitor working conditions and react to maintain safety. Completing work and safety records is also part of their role. Substation distribution maintenance fitters also conduct electrical switching operations. Substation transmission maintenance fitters also conduct functional tests of transmission protection systems and devices.
They work at sites across a company’s or client’s power network. This means they may have to drive vehicles requiring driving licenses. They work in all weather conditions. They may have to be on standby duty and work shifts outside normal working hours. The role requires a good level of physical ability and working at height and in confined spaces.
Substation fitters work with other fitters and support operatives. They also have contact with other internal and external stakeholders. This may include the network management centre, customer call centre, project managers, commissioning engineers, safety teams, site managers, other trades, and subcontractors. They speak with domestic and commercial customers regarding work and sometimes the public to keep them updated on work progress. They typically report to an experienced operational engineer.
They help maintain the safe supply of electricity and the development of flexible networks that are vital to achieving environmentally sustainable networks. Work must comply with the electricity safety, quality, and continuity regulations (ESQCR). Safety is a top priority for the industry. They must comply with health, safety, environmental, and sustainability regulations and procedures. Failure to do so could have serious consequences for self, others, and the environment. They must complete tasks in line with the network's procedures and specifications, to the required timescales and unit costs. They must present a professional image of the company and themselves.
They must be competent to hold an authorisation to fulfil their duties under their company’s safety rules. They may need to hold CSCS (construction skills certification scheme card) cards.
Electrical fitter – substation
Electrical or mechanical fitter - substation plant and equipment
Electrical plant fitter
High voltage (hv) construction fitter
High voltage (hv) electrical fitter
High voltage (hv) maintenance fitter
Transmission or distribution substation fitter
This is a summary of the key things that you – the apprentice and your employer need to know about your end-point assessment (EPA). You and your employer should read the EPA plan for the full details. It has information on assessment method requirements, roles and responsibilities, and re-sits and re-takes.
An EPA is an assessment at the end of your apprenticeship. It will assess you against the knowledge, skills, and behaviours (KSBs) in the apprenticeship standard. Your training will cover the KSBs. The EPA is your opportunity to show an independent assessor and employer assessor how well you can carry out the occupation you have been trained for.
Your employer will choose an end-point assessment organisation (EPAO) to deliver and quality assure the EPA. Your employer and training provider should tell you what to expect and how to prepare for your EPA.
The length of the training for this apprenticeship is typically 30 months. The EPA period is typically 6 months.
The overall grades available for this apprenticeship are:
When you pass the EPA, you will be awarded your apprenticeship certificate.
The EPA gateway is when the EPAO checks and confirms that you have met any requirements required before you start the EPA. You will only enter the gateway when your employer says you are ready.
The gateway requirements for your EPA are:
For the power industry substation fitter, the qualification required is an Emergency first aid 1 day course.
Multiple-choice test
You will complete a multiple-choice test. It will be closed book, meaning you will not have access to any books or reference materials. The test will have 40 multiple-choice questions. You will have 60 minutes to complete it.
Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence
You will have an interview with an independent assessor. It will last at least 75 minutes. They will ask you at least 7 questions. The questions will be about certain aspects of your occupation. You need to compile a portfolio of evidence before the EPA gateway. You can use it to help answer the questions.
Trade test practical assessment with questions
You will be observed by an employer assessor completing a set of tasks. It will last at least 30 hours. They will ask you at least 9 questions.
Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence
You will have an interview with an employer assessor. It will last at least 75 minutes. They will ask you at least 10 questions. The questions will be about certain aspects of your occupation. You can use it to help answer the questions.
The EPAO or your employer will confirm where and when each assessment method will take place.
You should speak to your employer if you have a query that relates to your job.
You should speak to your training provider if you have any questions about your training or EPA before it starts.
You should receive detailed information and support from the EPAO before the EPA starts. You should speak to them if you have any questions about your EPA once it has started.
If you have a disability, a physical or mental health condition or other special considerations, you may be able to have a reasonable adjustment that takes this into account. You should speak to your employer, training provider and EPAO and ask them what support you can get. The EPAO will decide if an adjustment is appropriate.
This apprenticeship aligns with Institution of Engineering and Technology for Engineering Technician (EngTech). The experience gained and responsibility held by the apprentice on completion of the apprenticeship will either wholly or partially satisfy the requirements for registration at this level. Please contact the professional body for more details.
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