8133 — Energy plant operatives

What this occupation covers

Energy plant operatives operate boilers to produce hot water or steam and attend and operate compressors, turbines, electrical substations, switchboards and auxiliary plant and machinery to fuel nuclear reactors, drive blowers and pumps, electricity generators and other equipment.

Typical duties

determines job requirements from switchboard attendant or operating instructions

opens valves and operates controls to regulate the flow of fuel to boiler or generating equipment

operates remote control panel to load fuel and remove discharged fuel elements from nuclear reactors

adjusts controls to maintain correct running speed of turbine or generator and monitors temperature and pressure controls on boilers

records instrument readings periodically and shuts down turbine/generator or boiler as demand decreases

carries out minor maintenance tasks and prescribed tests and reports any faults

Entry routes and qualifications

There are no formal academic entry requirements. Training is typically by apprenticeship, incorporating technical training and practical experience. NVQs/ SVQs in Electrical Power Engineering at levels 2 and 3 and apprenticeships are available.

Sponsorship information

Medium Skilled. Actual duties, sponsor, applicant, salary and any transitional or shortage-list conditions must be checked.

Temporary Shortage List: Energy plant operatives. Certificate of Sponsorship must be issued before 31 December 2026.

DBS assessment

No code-wide DBS assessment is assigned. Check actual duties, activities, workplace, frequency and jurisdiction. This code does not determine the level of check.

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