Overview
Electrical Power Network Engineers work within the power sector with other Engineers, sometimes specialist Engineers, to provide engineering solutions to solve complex electricity network scenarios in order to safely manage electricity supplies in normal and abnormal conditions.
Using company/client network strategies, engineers undertake engineering activities to plan, manage, control, construct, replace, maintain and repair assets on the electricity network. They will work in engineering teams that may include Power Network Craftsperson, senior Engineers and other business specialists, for example procurement, finance, and telecommunications engineers.
The EPNE apprenticeship covers 6 roles: Asset Management Engineer, Planning Engineer, Design Engineer, Control Engineer, Electrical Project Engineer, and Operational Delivery Engineer.
They are responsible for the quality of their own work, possibly others’ and ensuring the work is completed safely, meets stakeholder quality, time, productivity, and budget requirements, whilst maintaining the integrity and efficient running of the network.
Core Knowledge:
An Electrical Power Network Engineer understands:
- electrical power principles.
- three-phase systems with consideration being given to harmonics and their effects and the methods of power distribution.
- electricity network design.
- the operation of the electricity network in normal and fault conditions.
- safe systems of work and risk management; the application of Electricity Supply Standards, Regulations including environmental requirements.
- project management tools, techniques, and processes.
- company engineering policies appropriate to their role.
- how to solve engineering.
- company business planning and resource control measures.
- the key interfaces of the electricity network and the impact of those interfaces.
Core Skills:
An Electrical Power Network Engineer will apply their knowledge of the electricity network to safely perform their activities. This requires them to:
- comply with company and Industry health, safety and environmental standards, regulations, company operating procedures and working practices.
- ensure that all safety considerations are incorporated and evident in all working practices.
- apply asset management methodology.
- communicate effectively with stakeholders.
- read, understand, and interpret technical information relative to their role.
- produce clear and precise reports in relation to their activities.
- develop and agree project plans to undertake their activities.
- use company IT systems to provide accurate and reliable data to support business decisions.
- demonstrate that their work activities support the business to achieve its regulatory incentive mechanisms.
- provide information to support business planning processes in relation to their role activities.
- uses company risk tools and techniques to evaluate and predict the reliability of engineering systems and equipment.
Core Behaviours
- Health, Safety & Environment – follows health, safety and environmental policies and procedures and is prepared to challenge unsafe behaviour using appropriate techniques to ensure the protection of people and property when working alone and/or with teams. Demonstrates high concentration and the desire to reduce risks through regular monitoring and checking information.
- Stakeholder management – is proactive in identifying their stakeholders and managing their expectations, presenting appropriate information to them clearly and concisely.
- Interpersonal skills - works well with people from different disciplines, backgrounds, and expertise. Takes others’ needs and concerns into account and supports them to accomplish an activity safely and on time.
- Analysing and solving problems – takes responsibility for solving problems by identifying and analysing the issues and drawing logical, sound solutions that benefit customers and the business.
- Risk awareness – has the embedded desire to reduce risks through systematic monitoring and checking of information identifying mitigation actions on an on- going basis to achieve safe systems of work.
- Planning & organising – takes a forward-looking perspective when considering the delivery of decisions, activities and projects and ensure plans are in place to manage anticipated issues, considers contingency planning.
Qualification Level: Equivalent to a Higher National Certificate (HNC)
Typical Duration: Approximately 30-36 months
Apprenticeship Category: Engineering and Manufacturing
Application Requirements: Ideally Apprentices will have achieved grade 4 (GCSE C) English and Mathematics prior to entry.
