Description
An electrical technician forms an integral part of the construction and operation phases and is typically responsible for front-end electrical engineering design (FEED) works, installation, maintenance, repair, and operation of electrical systems, equipment, and machinery on offshore wind farms.
Lifecycle stages
Manufacturing, installation, operations and maintenance.
Typical employer
Developer, manufacturer, EPCI contractor, or subcontractor.
Place of work
Onshore in a manufacturing facility, port and assembly site. Offshore in a vessel at the wind farm site.
Typical working pattern
Full-time or fixed term contract. At far-shore projects, electrical technicians usually live offshore on vessels and typically work two-weeks-on and two-weeks-off. Flexible working arrangements may be available for onshore based jobs. May be required to work on short notice for emergency situations.
Education, training and qualifications
Experience (1-2 years) as an electrical technician in a relevant field and a minimum NFQ level 6 qualification such as a City & Guilds qualification in Electrical Testing and Verification of Electrical Installations.
Working towards a Chartered Engineer and a member of the Engineering Council is desirable.
Graduate and apprenticeship schemes are available with NFQ level 7 and NFQ level 4, respectively.
Training is usually provided by the employer.
For offshore work, the following is required and may be provided by the employer:
- Seafarers Offshore Medical
- Global Wind Organisation Basic Safety Training and,
- Climbing and rescue at heights training.
Typical entry position & transferable sectors
Entry roles include a junior electrical technician and maintenance technician.
Highly transferable from similar industries such as automotive, power, oil and gas or aviation.
Career possibilities
Electrical technicians can progress to become senior technicians, supervisors, and senior authorised persons.
Full time salary estimate
€35,000 (junior electrical technician) -€75,000 (senior authorised persons) per year, depending on experience. Additional offshore day rate for work done offshore on vessels.
