What Does a High Voltage Technician Do?
A High Voltage Technician plays a critical role in our power systems. As part of this job, you'll be handling and maintaining equipment that brings electricity to our homes, offices, and factories. This is a responsibility with lots of variety -- you might be working with transformers one day and circuit breakers the next.
The typical work environment for a High Voltage Technician is outdoors, at power stations or in field locations. You might also have to work at heights or in confined spaces, using protective gear to stay safe while you do your job. Don't worry, though - you'll be extensively trained to handle these situations.
Doing this job, your duties will include installing high-voltage equipment, inspecting and repairing faults, and conducting rigorous tests to make sure everything's working well. Also, you'll have to adhere to strict safety protocols, because the voltage you're working with can be dangerous.
High Voltage Technician's job is a prime example of a role where you make a difference every day. If you enjoy working with your hands and solving technical problems, it could be the career you're looking for!
Skills Required
Technical Skills
- Electrical Systems Knowledge
- Experience with High Voltage Equipment
- Troubleshooting
- Electrical Safety Standards
- Schematic Diagram Interpretation
- Use of Electrical Testing Equipment
- Underground Cable Installation and Repair
Soft Skills
- Communication
- Problem-Solving
- Consistent Attention to Detail
- Adaptability
- Physical Stamina
Technical Skills
- Electrical Systems Knowledge
- Experience with High Voltage Equipment
- Troubleshooting
- Electrical Safety Standards
- Schematic Diagram Interpretation
- Use of Electrical Testing Equipment
- Underground Cable Installation and Repair
Soft Skills
- Communication
- Problem-Solving
- Consistent Attention to Detail
- Adaptability
- Physical Stamina
Education and Training Requirements
Required Education
- High School Diploma or GED: Complete high school education or the equivalent such as a General Education Development (GED) certification.
- Postsecondary Electrical Training Program: Enroll and complete a postsecondary electrical training program. This can be at a trade school or a community college and should provide the basic technical training needed such as electrical theory, building codes, and blueprints.
- Electrician’s Helper or Apprentice: Start as an electrician’s helper or apprentice to gain hands-on experience. During this period, you'll work under the supervision of a licensed electrician, learning the necessary skills and gaining insight on the job.
- Journeyman Electrician: After completing the apprenticeship, apply for licensing as a journeyman electrician. This may involve passing an exam, depending on your state’s regulations.
- Master Electrician: Work as a journeyman electrician for 2-4 years to gain more experience and skills and then apply for the master electrician exam and license.
- High Voltage Certification: Get certified in high voltage electrical systems. This step involves further technical training and often passing a certification exam.
- High School Diploma or GED: Complete high school education or the equivalent such as a General Education Development (GED) certification.
- Postsecondary Electrical Training Program: Enroll and complete a postsecondary electrical training program. This can be at a trade school or a community college and should provide the basic technical training needed such as electrical theory, building codes, and blueprints.
- Electrician’s Helper or Apprentice: Start as an electrician’s helper or apprentice to gain hands-on experience. During this period, you'll work under the supervision of a licensed electrician, learning the necessary skills and gaining insight on the job.
- Journeyman Electrician: After completing the apprenticeship, apply for licensing as a journeyman electrician. This may involve passing an exam, depending on your state’s regulations.
- Master Electrician: Work as a journeyman electrician for 2-4 years to gain more experience and skills and then apply for the master electrician exam and license.
- High Voltage Certification: Get certified in high voltage electrical systems. This step involves further technical training and often passing a certification exam.
Licensing and Certification
State Requirements
Required in most states