HV Authorised Person
Discussion
What is your background, have you worked in HV before, I used to be authorised for HV when i worked in the power industry in the UK 20 years ago, Im now overseas in construction and commissioning.
Who is the job with that youre quoting those salaries?
Do you have a substation/switchgear background?
Who is the job with that youre quoting those salaries?
Do you have a substation/switchgear background?
Sorry to hijack the thread but I’ve been asked about doing the LV persons course, is it worth doing in return for better prospects / money. As it is they’re offering £145 / month which after tax etc will be around £100.
Does anyone do this job and is it worth it for the responsibility for the amount offered.
Does anyone do this job and is it worth it for the responsibility for the amount offered.
Edited by Geffg on Friday 23 September 16:52
Its folk thats dealing with the HV training that have been saying this - there is a terrible issue just now in getting HV people in these areas and keeping them, a lot of positions and a lack of guys with the ticket resulting in high wages.
I know one site down near woking thats 132kv supplied. There are a few others in and around thats 33k and 11k - HVAP and HVSAP getting pretty decent money indeed.
quick swatch on google... 65 - 70k before OT
https://uk.indeed.com/viewjob?jk=ab2f376bed8dd04e&...
mechanical engineer - generally lower paid than the electrical engineers with the HVAP tickets...
https://www.totaljobs.com/job/mechanical-engineer/...
I know one site down near woking thats 132kv supplied. There are a few others in and around thats 33k and 11k - HVAP and HVSAP getting pretty decent money indeed.
quick swatch on google... 65 - 70k before OT
https://uk.indeed.com/viewjob?jk=ab2f376bed8dd04e&...
mechanical engineer - generally lower paid than the electrical engineers with the HVAP tickets...
https://www.totaljobs.com/job/mechanical-engineer/...
Geffg said:
Sorry to hijack the thread but I’ve been asked about doing the LV persons course, is it worth doing in return for better prospects / money. As it is they’re offering £145 / month which after tax etc will be around £100.
Does anyone do this job and is it not with the responsibility for the amount offered.
LV courses, for LVAP give you training in the permits and safe systems of work etc... they are the first step towards being assessed and then appointed as an AP - with the HTM or JSP ways its always get put for the course, do the training and then get experience and get assessed by the authorising engineer. Does anyone do this job and is it not with the responsibility for the amount offered.
it carries a lot of responsibility and your acting as the duty holder for the electrical system when your signed on as the LVAP. Its worth looking into.
https://www.totaljobs.com/job/shift-leader/nexus-c...
ok its not the M4 corridor.... but gives an idea
ok its not the M4 corridor.... but gives an idea
Geffg said:
Sorry to hijack the thread but I’ve been asked about doing the LV persons course, is it worth doing in return for better prospects / money. As it is they’re offering £145 / month which after tax etc will be around £100.
Does anyone do this job and is it not with the responsibility for the amount offered.
if you're working with LV already its a no brainer, do it. its just a step beyond where you are now, issuing permits rather than receiving [as an example] but your knoweledge of the process, proving dead etc. is the same.Does anyone do this job and is it not with the responsibility for the amount offered.
i'm an LV AP and i'm a spanner twirler. i always leave HV to the experts but seen too many lax attitudes to LV isolation during commissioning that made me want to make sure everyone was working safely.
ruggedscotty said:
Was speaking to a few the other week and found out about the lack of High Voltage Authorised Persons in the M4 corridor data centres getting 100k wages..... and with overtime thats now edging to the 120k mark...
M4 corridor you say.https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/view/33kv-sap-constr...
Up to £44k
Or, https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/view/electrical-engi...
Up to £50k
Or, https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/view/senior-electric...
Up to £77k
So, where is this mythical £100k coming from? Any published ads?
I was SAP for National Grid back in the day (anyone remember the HKCL1 key? 
) but I moved away from that line of work a very long time ago.
A guy I know who was SAP for Seeboard (as it was back then) much later on became senior authorised mainly for work on the rail network. He would go out in the small hours of the morning, do what was needed and issue a permit, then go home again until they had finished when he went back to cancel the PFW and, if required, do the necessary switching.
Going back 10 years or more he was earning very nicely - I'm sure it was something like £500 a day, even back then, and that was largely driven by a lack of available SAPs. He tried to get me back into it but I was doing something completely different by then. Might well be worth looking into if rates are still at those (equivalent) levels?
) but I moved away from that line of work a very long time ago.A guy I know who was SAP for Seeboard (as it was back then) much later on became senior authorised mainly for work on the rail network. He would go out in the small hours of the morning, do what was needed and issue a permit, then go home again until they had finished when he went back to cancel the PFW and, if required, do the necessary switching.
Going back 10 years or more he was earning very nicely - I'm sure it was something like £500 a day, even back then, and that was largely driven by a lack of available SAPs. He tried to get me back into it but I was doing something completely different by then. Might well be worth looking into if rates are still at those (equivalent) levels?
Yup
Salaries for HVAP's are pretty good just now. There is currently a terrible shortage of them, and they can get good money. Companies dont want to lose a good SAP or AP.
The demand for them in data centers is really strong, and as its a bespoke job they are paying to try and keep them. The job adverts that show 50 60 70k dont really cover the whole story. on call and call outs along with OT for site presence for works being carried out....the money is there.
Salaries for HVAP's are pretty good just now. There is currently a terrible shortage of them, and they can get good money. Companies dont want to lose a good SAP or AP.
The demand for them in data centers is really strong, and as its a bespoke job they are paying to try and keep them. The job adverts that show 50 60 70k dont really cover the whole story. on call and call outs along with OT for site presence for works being carried out....the money is there.
As someone within a DNO - we have alot of SAPs with lots of experience disappearing and a real lack of people willing to fill the boots. Ball is rolling for me to work towards the relevant tickets but given the risks/responsibilities it's definitely not a fast process and for good reason.
The salaries mentioned above are high but not unheard of for self employed ticketed guys who want to float about and offer their services to those who need it.
The salaries mentioned above are high but not unheard of for self employed ticketed guys who want to float about and offer their services to those who need it.
Just noticed this thread.
Becoming an HVSAP is currently one of my career goals. I come from an engineering background worked across oil/gas and agro-chem.
is anyone actively working in this industry and willing to give some advice for an interview I have coming up with a DNO, and if any advice on how the industry is would be appreciated.
As far as I can see it’s still a skill that’s in demand and something along with my engineering experience would make me pretty employable if I can work toward the HVSAP tickets. I know it’ll be a journey but I’ve worked hard from a tea boy to an engineer so know what it takes to advance myself.
Becoming an HVSAP is currently one of my career goals. I come from an engineering background worked across oil/gas and agro-chem.
is anyone actively working in this industry and willing to give some advice for an interview I have coming up with a DNO, and if any advice on how the industry is would be appreciated.
As far as I can see it’s still a skill that’s in demand and something along with my engineering experience would make me pretty employable if I can work toward the HVSAP tickets. I know it’ll be a journey but I’ve worked hard from a tea boy to an engineer so know what it takes to advance myself.
Out of curiosity what sort of role have you applied for?
In my DNO the interviews are very much script based 'competency' style i.e standard STAR style interviewing technique.
Questions may typically take the form of 'Tell us about a time you overcame a problem, what was the issue? what did you do, what was the result'?
There will probably be such questions on customer service, safety, teamwork, personal development. It's worth thinking of a few scenarios from your previous roles that show you have transferable skills so you can quickly think of a response.
They will expect you to have researched the industry and the company and know some basics about both. I.e what the DNO is, maybe some key figures, who the regulator is etc.
There will almost certainly be some questions on H&S and risk assessment. You may already be familiar with legislation but if not just have an idea of the basics of the big ones i.e Health and safety at work act, ESQC regs, EAW act, Management of health and safety at work act. They won't expect you to know them inside out, just the basics. Research risk assessments and the difference types.
There may be some technical questions but if you're coming from an outside industry these shouldn't be too specific.
Hope the above helps. I could write pages but I don't know exactly what they'll ask and don't want to send you down the wrong path, but I'd say that the above are pretty standard things a DNO will ask.
In my DNO the interviews are very much script based 'competency' style i.e standard STAR style interviewing technique.
Questions may typically take the form of 'Tell us about a time you overcame a problem, what was the issue? what did you do, what was the result'?
There will probably be such questions on customer service, safety, teamwork, personal development. It's worth thinking of a few scenarios from your previous roles that show you have transferable skills so you can quickly think of a response.
They will expect you to have researched the industry and the company and know some basics about both. I.e what the DNO is, maybe some key figures, who the regulator is etc.
There will almost certainly be some questions on H&S and risk assessment. You may already be familiar with legislation but if not just have an idea of the basics of the big ones i.e Health and safety at work act, ESQC regs, EAW act, Management of health and safety at work act. They won't expect you to know them inside out, just the basics. Research risk assessments and the difference types.
There may be some technical questions but if you're coming from an outside industry these shouldn't be too specific.
Hope the above helps. I could write pages but I don't know exactly what they'll ask and don't want to send you down the wrong path, but I'd say that the above are pretty standard things a DNO will ask.
IROC-Z said:
Out of curiosity what sort of role have you applied for?
In my DNO the interviews are very much script based 'competency' style i.e standard STAR style interviewing technique.
Questions may typically take the form of 'Tell us about a time you overcame a problem, what was the issue? what did you do, what was the result'?
There will probably be such questions on customer service, safety, teamwork, personal development. It's worth thinking of a few scenarios from your previous roles that show you have transferable skills so you can quickly think of a response.
They will expect you to have researched the industry and the company and know some basics about both. I.e what the DNO is, maybe some key figures, who the regulator is etc.
There will almost certainly be some questions on H&S and risk assessment. You may already be familiar with legislation but if not just have an idea of the basics of the big ones i.e Health and safety at work act, ESQC regs, EAW act, Management of health and safety at work act. They won't expect you to know them inside out, just the basics. Research risk assessments and the difference types.
There may be some technical questions but if you're coming from an outside industry these shouldn't be too specific.
Hope the above helps. I could write pages but I don't know exactly what they'll ask and don't want to send you down the wrong path, but I'd say that the above are pretty standard things a DNO will ask.
Thanks for the reply! It’s much appreciated. It’s an HV Electrical Operations Engineer with SSE. In my DNO the interviews are very much script based 'competency' style i.e standard STAR style interviewing technique.
Questions may typically take the form of 'Tell us about a time you overcame a problem, what was the issue? what did you do, what was the result'?
There will probably be such questions on customer service, safety, teamwork, personal development. It's worth thinking of a few scenarios from your previous roles that show you have transferable skills so you can quickly think of a response.
They will expect you to have researched the industry and the company and know some basics about both. I.e what the DNO is, maybe some key figures, who the regulator is etc.
There will almost certainly be some questions on H&S and risk assessment. You may already be familiar with legislation but if not just have an idea of the basics of the big ones i.e Health and safety at work act, ESQC regs, EAW act, Management of health and safety at work act. They won't expect you to know them inside out, just the basics. Research risk assessments and the difference types.
There may be some technical questions but if you're coming from an outside industry these shouldn't be too specific.
Hope the above helps. I could write pages but I don't know exactly what they'll ask and don't want to send you down the wrong path, but I'd say that the above are pretty standard things a DNO will ask.
I have had plenty STAR type interviews, will brush up answers to these as best I can to prep.
Again coming from my background risk assessment methods and legislation is everywhere albeit some of it will be different in the DNO.
It’s noted as a 90 min interview slot, so don’t imagine it will be too in depth.
I had an interview at the start of this year that was 3 hours long and was a real slog.
The job advert gives some clues as to what technical competencies they would like you to have so brushing up on that will be required.
Suppose the biggest thing is the voltage levels, I am currently working with 33kv max and this role goes upto 275kv.
The role looks interesting but likely a sideways step for me at this stage in terms of money / terms but trying to look at the bigger picture and the future industry I want to be in.
No problem, like I said I don't want to waffle on too much and give you the wrong idea but the scenario based questions are a given. The role sounds good and from what you've said you have some prior experience on private networks? So you have a background knowledge and experience with HV which should help, and they've offered you an interview which is very positive. In order to become authorised on a DNO's network you'll almost certainly be expected to start from the ground up because they like to train people up their way, at least that's what UKPN are like. In which case don't get too hung up on the voltage levels, the job specs are often very broad and it depends on what part of the company you'd be working in and specifically what the role involves.
The H&S and legislation elements are probably pretty similar to what you're used to and a good knowledge of them would be handy. Things like safe systems of work etc which you're probably familiar with.
I keep hearing that SAPs are in short supply and my company is losing experienced HV engineers like nobody's business to other parts of the company or contracting world.
It is a very good industry to get a foot in the door and if you're prepared for it to take a bit of time once you've got some DNO and some experience it's a good place to be.
The H&S and legislation elements are probably pretty similar to what you're used to and a good knowledge of them would be handy. Things like safe systems of work etc which you're probably familiar with.
I keep hearing that SAPs are in short supply and my company is losing experienced HV engineers like nobody's business to other parts of the company or contracting world.
It is a very good industry to get a foot in the door and if you're prepared for it to take a bit of time once you've got some DNO and some experience it's a good place to be.
Utility company needs AP's
So does the private secor, companies that take in at HV.
The AP side of things is based on attitude knowledge and understanding...
There will be a training program, getting used to the job and the equipment and the processes and proceedures. Each place tends to be different but they will follow all the required legislation.
Its a good one to get into, and there is always going to be a need for these. And as you know with renewables and all sorts coming in the need for electrical people is going to get larger.
The utility companies need a lot of contractors to do the work for them, And they need on the ground the AP's to manage the system and isolations etc to let the work go ahead.
So does the private secor, companies that take in at HV.
The AP side of things is based on attitude knowledge and understanding...
There will be a training program, getting used to the job and the equipment and the processes and proceedures. Each place tends to be different but they will follow all the required legislation.
Its a good one to get into, and there is always going to be a need for these. And as you know with renewables and all sorts coming in the need for electrical people is going to get larger.
The utility companies need a lot of contractors to do the work for them, And they need on the ground the AP's to manage the system and isolations etc to let the work go ahead.
IROC-Z said:
No problem, like I said I don't want to waffle on too much and give you the wrong idea but the scenario based questions are a given. The role sounds good and from what you've said you have some prior experience on private networks? So you have a background knowledge and experience with HV which should help, and they've offered you an interview which is very positive. In order to become authorised on a DNO's network you'll almost certainly be expected to start from the ground up because they like to train people up their way, at least that's what UKPN are like. In which case don't get too hung up on the voltage levels, the job specs are often very broad and it depends on what part of the company you'd be working in and specifically what the role involves.
The H&S and legislation elements are probably pretty similar to what you're used to and a good knowledge of them would be handy. Things like safe systems of work etc which you're probably familiar with.
I keep hearing that SAPs are in short supply and my company is losing experienced HV engineers like nobody's business to other parts of the company or contracting world.
It is a very good industry to get a foot in the door and if you're prepared for it to take a bit of time once you've got some DNO and some experience it's a good place to be.
Sounds good. Thanks for the information, I am still not 100% about making the move, so the interview is as much about me finding out about them as it is them finding out about me. The H&S and legislation elements are probably pretty similar to what you're used to and a good knowledge of them would be handy. Things like safe systems of work etc which you're probably familiar with.
I keep hearing that SAPs are in short supply and my company is losing experienced HV engineers like nobody's business to other parts of the company or contracting world.
It is a very good industry to get a foot in the door and if you're prepared for it to take a bit of time once you've got some DNO and some experience it's a good place to be.
Noted on the voltage levels and fair point, makes sense.
I have private sector industrial engineering experience but have held no level of authorisation to date (not for want of trying). I understand the processes safe systems of work etc but have not had authorisation as yet as the company I am currently in uses the maintenance/technician team as the AP's.
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