The industry today — jobs, demand and future
Where supply operators work, and why they are becoming more important
The utilities operator is one of the skilled workers society cannot do without. Electricity that is always there when you flip the switch is the result of a network someone must build monitor and repair. Here we look at where those people work — and why the need is growing rather than shrinking.
§Where does a supply operator work?
Most work in electricity supply companies that own and operate the power grid. But the trade reaches further. You can also work with fiber optic cables for internet and communication, and some end up on offshore wind farms where power from the turbines is fed back to land.
- 01Electricity companies — operation, monitoring, service and maintenance of the network.
- 02Establishment and maintenance of cable networks and transformer stations
- 03Fiber network for internet and communications
- 04Offshore on wind farm sites
§A trade that points in one direction: upwards
The green transition means that we are electrifying more and more — cars, heating and industry are increasingly running on electricity. At the same time, a growing share of electricity comes from wind and sun, which must be connected to the grid in many places at once. This puts pressure on a power grid that needs to be upgraded and reinforced in many places. And a growing grid requires more hands to build and maintain it.
§The technology changes the job
Monitoring and operation of the grid is becoming increasingly automated. This means that as a supply operator you both work with thick cables and heavy equipment out in the field and with computer-controlled monitoring and measuring equipment in a control centre. So you have to enjoy both the physical craft and the digital — and be part of the profession as it continuously develops.
§A small education with major significance
Utilities operator is not one of the largest training programmes measured by student numbers and is only offered in a few places in the country. That means qualified utilities operators are a specialised and sought-after group. On the other hand you should expect that apprenticeship and school may not be right around the corner — it may require you to be willing to move or commute.
“The more society runs on electricity, the more important become those who keep the electricity flowing.”