How to Become a High Voltage Electrician

High voltage electricians maintain the systems that power mines, processing plants and heavy equipment. That includes substations, transformers, switchgear, HV cables and electric-drive machines. It's a safety-critical trade: one mistake can cause electrocution or an arc flash.

At a glance

• Where you'll work: mine sites, processing plants, underground mines, power utilities.
• Usual way in: an electrical apprenticeship, then HV training once you're licensed.
• Uni needed? No.
• Time to qualify: usually four years for the electrical trade, then extra HV training on top.
• Rosters: FIFO and DIDO are common on site, often with day and night shifts.

What the job involves

• Inspecting and maintaining substations, transformers and switchgear.
• HV switching and isolations under permit.
• Testing protection systems.
• Maintaining trailing cables and underground power distribution.
• Repairing electric-drive trucks, shovels and loaders.
• Supporting planned shutdowns.

At school

• Maths, especially algebra and measurement.
• Physics.
• Electronics, computing or engineering subjects.
• English, for permits and reports.
• Workshop or design and technology subjects.

Work experience with an electrical contractor, mine or power utility helps.

How to qualify

Start with an electrical apprenticeship with a licensed employer. You'll do a recognised electrician qualification while you work, then meet the requirements for an electrical licence where you work. Licensing rules vary by country and state.

You normally need an employer and a training contract first. Look for apprenticeships with:

• Mining companies and contractors
• Electrical contractors
• Power utilities
• Equipment manufacturers
• Industrial maintenance companies

HV work comes after the core trade. Some mining apprenticeships include HV work from the start.

Your first job

Once you're licensed, job titles to search for:

• Industrial Electrician
• Mining Electrician
• Underground Electrician
• Fixed Plant Electrician
• Mobile Equipment Electrician
• HV Electrician

Tickets and training

On top of your licence, HV roles usually need:

• HV switching and access authorisations.
• Isolation and permit system training.
• Low voltage rescue and CPR.
• Working at heights and confined space tickets.
• Cable jointing and testing, for some roles.

An HV ticket doesn't let you switch every system. Each site still gives its own written authorisations.

Where it can lead

Electrical Apprentice → Licensed Electrician → Mining or Industrial Electrician → HV Electrician → Electrical Supervisor or HV Coordinator → Electrical Superintendent

With more study you could move into electrical engineering, commissioning, reliability or project roles.

What employers look for

• A licence or eligibility for one.
• Disciplined isolation every time: isolate, test for dead, earth, then follow the procedure.
• Careful fault-finding and documentation.
• A manual driver's licence.

Is it for you?

It suits you if you're precise, calm around complex equipment and never cut corners on safety.

Pay, rosters and jobs

• See what the job pays: Electrician salaries
• Browse live roles: Electrician jobs
• Related guides: Site or Offshore Electrician, Instrumentation and Controls Technician