What I do

Typically, if a turbine goes offline because of a high-voltage trip, then we might need to sail to the turbine to issue a safety document for further investigation. Otherwise we are carrying out planned maintenance of the high-voltage apparatus within the turbine. Part of the high-voltage service consists of maintenance of the transformer, switchgear and taking oil samples.

Hear more about Arran's role by watching the video below...

How I became a technician

I did Intermediate 2 in fifth year, and when I started sixth year, I decided to go down the apprenticeship route. When I left school, I joined a partnership group of SSEN and Balfour Beatty as a Trainee Transmission Turbine Linesman.

From there, I applied for an apprenticeship with SSEN as an Electrical Fitter – I was maintaining all types of switchgear and apparatus inside substations. I did that for eight years or so and then this opportunity came up at Vattenfall, to move into the renewable sector and I jumped at the chance. I have worked here since March 2021.

A surprising fact about my job

One thing I found when I moved into this role is that you have to get used to working in an office as well as being out at the wind farm. I’d never worked with Microsoft Office. If you are not used to working in an office environment, then you won’t have those skills straight away.

I can travel the world if I want to with the skills I have learnt.

A little more about
my everyday role

What I love most about my job

The opportunities - I can travel the world if I want to. I can work on a Vestas wind turbine wherever it is, or even on different types of wind turbine.

The most exciting thing I’ve achieved so far in my job

Last summer, a turbine went offline and we went to fix it. It took a long time and was hard work - it’s physically and mentally draining, but it’s so rewarding when you solve the problem.

The next steps in my career journey

With my background of working with high-voltage systems, I am always going to stay in this area. There are opportunities to get more involved in this industry. I didn’t realise how big it was until I came into it. I have just been authorised as a 66kv Senior Authorised Person for single-ended transformer circuits. I would like to further develop my skills within a high-voltage scope offshore.

Find out more about this role

Discover what qualifications you’ll need, how much you can earn, and what the next steps are.

Nine apprentices sitting on sofas socialising

Meet other technicians

Read more real life technicians stories, see what they do every day, and how they got started.