Job Description and Activities
Many ports require a large amount of both mechanical and electrical equipment to transfer both passengers and cargo. Electrical equipment could include container cranes, ships’ ramps and passenger walkways. Mechanical equipment can include heavy goods vehicles, lift trucks, mobile cranes and harbour craft. All this equipment requires ongoing maintenance and repair to ensure the port can operate effectively. Some ports will use contractors to do this work, but others will employ their own maintenance staff, often both mechanical and electrical. The activities undertaken would include:
- Physical tasks – Electricians may be required to lift heavy pieces of equipment, work at height, in confined spaces and close to, or on, the water.
- Electrical maintenance and repair – this will involve working with all electrically powered equipment and lighting on the port. It will include regular servicing, emergency repairs and ordering and fitting replacement parts. Work often entails working with both high and low voltage supplies.
The Working Environment
Those working as an electrician must be fit, enjoy working outside and able to work at height and over water. There may also be some on-call requirement and shift or weekend work is very likely.
Salary
Electricians working in ports can earn in the region of £14,000 to £30,000, depending on unsocial hours worked and the complexity of the plant and equipment maintained.
Entry Requirements
Electricians would be required to hold a level 3 qualification such as an N/SVQ in Electrical and Electronic Servicing (EAL / City and Guilds). Many ports operate apprenticeship schemes which combine college study and workplace learning.
Career Development
The next stage in an electrician’s career development would be to become an electrical supervisor. This requires additional training for a supervisory N/SVQ level 3.