Potential earnings
£61,975.30
Energy plant operatives operate boilers to produce hot water or steam and attend and operate compressors, turbines, electrical substations, switchboards and auxiliary plant and machinery to fuel nuclear reactors, drive blowers and pumps, electricity generators and other equipment.
Main tasks
- Carries out minor maintenance tasks and prescribed tests and reports any faults.
- Records instrument readings periodically and shuts down turbine/generator or boiler as demand decreases.
- Adjusts controls to maintain correct running speed of turbine or generator and monitors temperature and pressure controls on boilers.
- Operates remote control panel to load fuel and remove discharged fuel elements from nuclear reactors.
- Opens valves and operates controls to regulate the flow of fuel to boiler or generating equipment.
- Determines job requirements from switchboard attendant or operating instructions.
Source: Office for National Statistics.
Salary and earnings
Average earnings
£39,976.25
Source: Office for National Statistics' Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE).
Skills & knowledge
The top 5 most important skills and knowledge requirements relevant to this career.
Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Active Learning
Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Monitoring
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Mechanical
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
Public Safety and Security
Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
Mathematics
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Customer and Personal Service
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Computers and Electronics
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
What course level do I need to study?
The level of study required will vary with each job, sector and company. The table below shows the level of study achieved by those currently working in this career choice.
Educational requirements: Level 3 NVQ; A Levels
Source: Office for National Statistics.
| Level of study | Percentage achieved |
|---|---|
| Level 0 | 4% |
| Level 1 | 6% |
| Level 2 | 18% |
| Level 3 | 24% |
| Level 4-5 (Higher Education) | 34% |
| Level 6 (Bachelors) | 8% |
| Level 7 (Masters or equivalent) | 5% |
| Level 8 (Doctorate) | 1% |
Source: Labour Force Survey (LFS) data.
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Economic data for careers is provided by Lightcast and also available through our Career Coach app. Job postings, employment and earnings information is represented at the regional level for the East Midlands.
