How Onefile can power up learning for apprentice linespersons

Many of us will have experienced some interruption to our electricity supply as a succession of named storms have battered parts of the UK in recent weeks.

Power cuts are no fun – at the very least they’re inconvenient – but spare a thought for those hardy linespersons, who work all hours and, in all weathers, to restore supplies to homes and workplaces.

For people who enjoy being outdoors whatever the conditions, who have a good head for heights and are physically very fit though, working as a power industry overhead linesperson can be a rewarding career.

And there’s an apprenticeship route for those seeking to train for this occupation, leading to job titles such as overhead lines craftsperson or overhead linesperson, with progression to roles such as electrical power networks engineer.

Power industry overhead linesperson level 3 apprenticeship

Last updated in February 2025, this level 3 apprenticeship qualifies for up to £27,000 funding, has duration to gateway of typically 30 months, and an EPA period of six months. Training is currently available with five providers, including one FE college, Wigan & Leigh College. Among the employers involved in the programme’s creation were Balfour Beatty, SSE, Northen Power Grid and Western Power.

Overhead linespersons work for power utility companies, operators or contractors. They either work on distribution lines carrying electricity from substations to homes and businesses or on transmission lines which move electricity from power plants to substations.

This is a core and options apprenticeship, which means that the apprentice must choose either option 1 – distribution linesperson or option 2 – transmission linesperson, alongside their core learning.

Both transmission and distributions linesperson maintain and repair equipment, working on or near live apparatus. Their role, which must be carried out to the highest safety standards, includes supervising groups of workers, completing safety records, driving to sites across a company’s power network and working outside normal hours.

Apprentices considering this occupation don’t need specific qualifications to apply. They just need to be able to show that they can pick up new knowledge and skills and work well both independently and as part of a team. Applicants must complete a one-day level 2 course in emergency first aid.

Powering up learning with Onefile

Training to be a power industry overhead linesperson is physically and mentally demanding. Linespersons move between different sites and often work outside normal hours – it’s not a nine to five job.

Fortunately, Onefile’s powerful learner management platform makes learning on the go for apprentice linespersons so much easier. Its Eportfolio means they can access their work anytime, anywhere – giving them the ability to manage their own learning, and their assessors the chance to give instant feedback.

So, if you would like to know you can power up your learner management, book a discovery call.