## Opportunity Review: FRS Distribution Supply Technician (24 Hour)
This review aims to provide potential candidates with a comprehensive understanding of the FRS Distribution Supply Technician (24 Hour) role, highlighting its advantages and key considerations for career development.
### The Role: A Foundation for a Critical Career
This permanent position within Network Operations offers a unique opportunity to be at the forefront of ensuring the reliable supply of electricity. Reporting to the Field Staff Supervisor and based in North London (Pratt Street), you will be an integral part of an emergency response team. This role is ideal for individuals seeking a dynamic and challenging career where their actions directly contribute to public safety and operational integrity.
### **Key Advantages for Candidates:**
* Competitive Compensation Package: Beyond the attractive base salary of £43,904 per annum, this role includes a significant **27% shift allowance**, **Inner London weighting (£6,049.81)**, and additional payments like the network payment (£712.10) and non-canteen allowance (£329.00). This robust financial package reflects the demands and importance of the role.
* Comprehensive Benefits: UK Power Networks offers an excellent range of benefits designed to support your well-being and financial security, including:
- 25 days of annual leave plus bank holidays.
- A generous Personal Pension Plan with substantial employer contributions (4% employee contribution = 8% employer, 5% employee contribution = 10% employer).
- Support for home ownership through a Tenancy Loan Deposit scheme.
- Tax-efficient benefits like the cycle to work scheme and season ticket loans.
- Access to Occupational Health support and an Employee Assistance Programme for holistic well-being.
- Retail and leisure discounts through the "Switched On" scheme and access to discounted sports and social clubs.
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Skill Development and Career Progression: While a background in electrical work, particularly with LV switching and fuse replacement, is preferred, **comprehensive training will be provided**. This includes identifying customer internal wiring/metering issues, diagnosing LV network faults, and the installation of temporary LV generators and auto-reclosure devices. This commitment to training opens doors for individuals to enhance their existing skills and acquire new competencies.
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Pathway to Specialisation: The description explicitly mentions **opportunities for standby responsibilities** that may arise in the future upon achieving LV fault switching authorisation. This indicates a clear pathway for career advancement and the development of specialised expertise within the organisation.
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Impactful Work: You will be directly involved in responding to unplanned hazardous situations and emergency calls, representing UK Power Networks in critical scenarios. This role offers a high degree of responsibility and the satisfaction of contributing to essential public services.
### **Key Considerations for Candidates:**
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Shift Work: This role operates on a **24-hour shift rota pattern**, requiring flexibility and a commitment to working unsociable hours. The shifts include "Earlies" (0700-1600), "Lates" (1300-2300 or 1400-2300), and "Nights" (2200-0700 or 2300-0700). Successful candidates must be comfortable with this demanding schedule, which often involves one-person teams during night shifts, pairing up for mutual support.
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Technical Qualifications: While training is provided, a foundational understanding of electrical principles is beneficial. Ideally, candidates will have qualifications up to a minimum of Level 2 City & Guilds 2339 or equivalent, with a preference for City and Guilds Level 3 & 4 (ONC/HNC) or equivalent in Electrical Engineering. For those without these specific qualifications, there is an alternative lower indicative salary range, coupled with a clear development plan to progress to the correct salary level.
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Essential Attributes: Beyond technical skills, the role requires strong **customer-focused skills** to build rapport with the public, the ability to **manage your own workload effectively**, and a **clean UK Driving Licence**. Computer literacy is also essential, alongside a **willingness to enhance skills** to meet the evolving needs of the company.
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Health and Safety Commitment: A **responsible and safe approach** is paramount. Candidates must understand and apply health and safety requirements, be aware of environmental impacts, and adhere to guidelines, including potential upper weight limits for safety equipment. The organisation's commitment to equal employment opportunity is also a key aspect of its culture.
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Pre-Employment Checks: Successful candidates will be required to successfully complete a **medical examination and a DBS reference check**.
### **Guiding Your Career Path:**
The FRS Distribution Supply Technician role offers a solid foundation for a career in the essential utilities sector. If you are technically inclined, thrive in dynamic environments, and are motivated by a role with significant responsibility and impact, this opportunity is worth serious consideration. The company's investment in training and clear progression routes means this position can serve as a stepping stone to more specialised or supervisory roles within Network Operations. For those with a passion for electrical engineering and a commitment to public service, this is an exciting prospect for professional growth.
