Energy Transmission and Distribution Workers

Utility lineworkers and cable splicers need to complete a three- to five-year apprenticeship to attain full professional status. Power plant operators and dispatchers need several years of on-the-job training and experience to become fully qualified. Additionally, the U.S. Department of Labor reports that "many employers prefer experience in electricity generation, transmission, and distribution, or in other occupations in the utilities industry, such as line worker or helper, or laborer in a power plant."

You should be comfortable working at heights and in confined spaces. You also need to have good color vision to be able to distinguish color-coded wires and have a basic understanding of the principles of electricity. Since many positions in this field involve extensive bending, climbing, reaching, and other physical exertion, workers should be in good physical condition in order to withstand the rigors of the job. Other important traits include attention to detail, organizational skills, the ability to solve problems, and the ability to work as a member of a team and on one's own as necessary.