How to Become a Site or Offshore Electrician

Site and offshore electricians install, maintain and fault-find electrical systems in remote and sometimes hazardous places. That covers mine sites, processing plants, LNG and gas facilities, construction camps and offshore platforms. The work ranges from generators and switchboards to pumps, lighting, emergency systems and explosion-protected equipment.

At a glance

• Where you'll work: mine sites, processing plants, LNG facilities, offshore platforms, construction projects.
• Usual way in: an electrical apprenticeship, then industrial experience.
• Uni needed? No.
• Time to qualify: usually four years for the trade, plus site and offshore training.
• Rosters: FIFO and swing rosters are standard. Offshore means travel by helicopter or vessel.

What the job involves

• Maintaining motors, generators, switchboards and UPS systems.
• Fault-finding pumps, compressors and fans.
• Testing gas detection and emergency shutdown equipment.
• Working on explosion-protected equipment in hazardous areas.
• Supporting shutdowns and commissioning.
• Keeping handovers and maintenance records accurate.

At school

• Maths and physics.
• Electronics or computing.
• Engineering or design and technology.
• English, for permits, handovers and records.

How to qualify

Start with an electrical apprenticeship. You'll do a recognised electrician qualification with paid on-the-job training, then meet the licensing rules where you work.

Resources employers want industrial experience. A domestic or commercial apprenticeship is a start, but try to build skills in:

• Three-phase power and motor control.
• Generators, switchboards and distribution.
• Pumps, compressors and fans.
• Control panels and basic instrumentation.
• Shutdown and commissioning work.

Many electricians work in a plant or workshop first, then move to remote, LNG or offshore jobs.

Your first job

Job titles to search for:

• Apprentice Industrial Electrician
• Electrical Trade Assistant
• Industrial Electrician
• Site Electrician
• Construction Electrician
• LNG Electrical Technician
• Offshore Electrical Technician

Construction and shutdown work is a good bridge into resources. It teaches permits, isolations, cable installation and commissioning on big equipment.

Tickets and training

Depending on the site, you may need:

• Working at heights and confined space entry.
• First aid, CPR and low voltage rescue.
• Gas testing.
• Hazardous areas training for work in explosive atmospheres.
• Offshore survival and helicopter escape training.
• A medical and fitness-for-work check.

Offshore requirements vary by country and operator. Confirm exactly what the employer accepts before paying for courses. Some certificates expire.

Where it can lead

Electrical Apprentice → Licensed Electrician → Industrial or Site Electrician → Senior Site or Offshore Electrician → Electrical Supervisor or Commissioning Lead → Electrical Superintendent or Maintenance Manager

You could specialise in hazardous areas, high voltage, instrumentation or commissioning.

What employers look for

• A current licence and industrial experience.
• Strong isolation practices, even under production pressure.
• Never bypassing a permit or protection system to get things running again.
• Readiness for long shifts, shared accommodation and time away from home.

Is it for you?

It suits you if you want an electrical trade that comes with travel, remote work and big industrial equipment.

Pay, rosters and jobs

• See what the job pays: Electrician salaries
• Browse live roles: Electrician jobs
• Life on roster: FIFO rosters and lifestyle
• Related guides: High Voltage Electrician, Instrumentation and Controls Technician