Our courses are designed to give learners a sound working knowledge of a wide variety of OH line work and obtain knowledge of safe working practices and the practical skills and techniques to enable them to become valuable members of the workforce.
Who is it for?
People who wish to start a career as an overhead lines staff, and are motivated to work hard to become valuable members of the utility workforce. Apprentices should have a good head for heights, and have a highly develop sense of responsibility.
Overhead line training is split in to 2 main areas;
- Wood pole (LV - 33kV)
- Steel tower (132kV - 400kV)

HV Wood Pole Training
This is a modular course designed to give learners a sound working knowledge of overhead line work;
Module 1 - Induction
Module 2 - LV wood pole construction
Module 3 - 11kV wood pole construction, part 1
Module 4 - 11kV wood pole construction, part 2
Module 5 - 33kV wood pole construction
Module 6 - Live LV working
LV Open wire and ABC Construction and Maintenance
This course is designed to enable delegates new to the industry, or existing workers to gain the necessary skills and knowledge to work safely and effectively on the LV network, this includes (depending on experience) working live and installation and testing of cut out service terminations.
This course will suit delegates who will be required to replace open wire lines with ABC systems and will cover all aspects of the construction and maintenance of ABC.
EHV Tower Training
Tower training can include 132kv through to 400kv and may be appropriate for line staff new to the industry of existing staff wishing to upgrade their skills.
This can be tailored to the requirements of the individual client; training programmes can include safe access, rescue, earthing procedures, and maintenance practices.
Level 2 Diploma in Electrical Power Engineering - Overhead Lines (2339-23)
Experienced operatives and apprentices can undertake a nationally recognised diploma in the Utility trade
The diploma is the recognised competency based qualification for the power industry; it can be achieved as a stand-alone qualification or as part of the level 2 apprenticeship framework for the power sector.
This qualification is achieved by the production of a portfolio of evidence to prove competence against the standards, although the physical evidence will come from the delegate the portfolio will be completed with the aid of the assessor to collate and link the evidence provided by the delegate to the individual standards. This assessor lead approach minimises the operational down time for the delegate. E-portfolio based systems are available.
Level 3 Overhead Lines Qualifications
UCT can deliver the following Level 3, City & Guilds, qualifications for Overhead Lines
- Level 3 Diploma - Lead overhead lines Person
- Level 3 Technical Certificate - Distribution and Transmission
In addition, UCT can also deliver the Energy and Utility Skills (EUS) Level 3 Trailblazer - Substation Overhead Lines Person
Apprentice Training
Where operatives have very little knowledge and experience it is recommended to do the full apprenticeship framework, this will provide the formal training and underpinning knowledge required to achieve the overhead line competence qualification.
As a prerequisite, all programs require learners to have a minimum grade C GCSE in Maths and English Language