Electrical Linesworkers
Overview
Snapshot
Summary
Electrical Linesworkers install, maintain, repair and patrol electrical sub-transmission and distribution systems.
Specialisations: Electrical Linesworker (Distribution) , Electrical Linesworker (Transmission) , Railway Traction Line Worker.
A certificate III in electrical power lines (transmission or distribution) is usually needed to work as an Electrical Linesworker. This course is often completed as part of an apprenticeship.
Tasks
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Installs conductors and aerial equipment, and underground cables and equipment.
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Installs and maintains equipment associated with electrical supply such as transformers.
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Attends to electrical breakdowns and emergencies.
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Maintains poles and associated hardware, and continuity of electrical supply and street lighting.
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Conducts routine maintenance on the aerial and underground electricity supply network.
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Conducts low voltage switching operations.
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Fits pole hardware and cross arms.
Characteristics
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Vocational Education and Training (VET)
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Practical
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Analytical
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Administrative
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Medium
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Heavy
Outlook
JSA produces employment projections to show where likely future job opportunities may be. Employment projections data are only produced for occupations at the broad four digit Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) level. While data are not available for this occupation, projections data are available for the parent occupation, Electrical Distribution Trades Workers, under the outlook section.
Earnings and hours
Working arrangements
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Around 95% of people employed as Electrical Linesworkers work full-time hours, in all their jobs combined. This is 29 percentage points above the all jobs average (66%).
Full-time workers work an average of 43 hours per week in their main job. This is similar to the all jobs average (44 hours per week).
Sources:Full-time share and full-time hours: ABS, 2016 Census, customised report. Compared to the all jobs average.
Industries
Main industries
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Most Electrical Linesworkers work in the Electricity, gas, water and waste services industry. They are also employed in industries like:
Source: Based on ABS Census 2016, Customised Report.
Regions
Employment across Australia
NSW
VIC
QLD
SA
WA
TAS
NT
ACT
Employment by State and Territory (% Share)
State | Electrical Linesworkers | All Jobs Average |
---|---|---|
NSW | 29.1 | 31.6 |
VIC | 24.3 | 25.6 |
QLD | 21.1 | 20.0 |
SA | 8.3 | 7.0 |
WA | 12.7 | 10.8 |
TAS | 2.7 | 2.0 |
NT | 1.0 | 1.0 |
ACT | 0.8 | 1.9 |
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Around 63% of Electrical Linesworkers live outside of capital cities, compared with the all jobs average of 38%.
The regions with the largest share of workers are:
Source: Based on ABS Census 2016, Customised Report. Share of workers across Australian states, territories and regions, in this job compared to the all jobs average.
Worker profile
Age and gender
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The median age of Electrical Linesworkers is 38 years. This is similar to the all jobs average of 40 years.
A large share of workers are aged 25 to 34 years.
Females make up 1% of the workforce. This is 47 percentage points below the all jobs average of 48%.
Source: Based on ABS Census 2016, Customised Report. Age profile and gender share compared to the all jobs average.
Age Profile (% Share)
Age Bracket | Electrical Linesworkers | All Jobs Average |
---|---|---|
15-19 | 1.0 | 5.0 |
20-24 | 8.4 | 9.3 |
25-34 | 32.3 | 22.9 |
35-44 | 22.4 | 22.0 |
45-54 | 23.4 | 21.6 |
55-59 | 8.5 | 9.0 |
60-64 | 3.1 | 6.0 |
65 and Over | 0.8 | 4.2 |
Median Age | 38 | 40 |
Source: Based on ABS Census 2016, Customised Report. Age profile of workers in this job compared to the all jobs average.
Employment Pathways
Education, training and experience
A certificate III in electrical power lines (transmission or distribution) is usually needed to work as an Electrical Linesworker. This course is often completed as part of an apprenticeship.
Visit
- My Skills to compare Vocational Education and Training (VET) courses, providers and student outcomes.
- AAPathways website to explore Transmission & Distribution VET training pathways.
Highest Level of Education (% Share)
Type of Qualification | Electrical Linesworkers | All Jobs Average |
---|---|---|
Post Graduate/Graduate Diploma or Graduate Certificate | 0.0 | 10.1 |
Bachelor degree | 1.6 | 21.8 |
Advanced Diploma/Diploma | 3.6 | 11.6 |
Certificate III/IV | 84.0 | 21.1 |
Year 12 | 5.9 | 18.1 |
Year 11 | 1.3 | 4.8 |
Year 10 and below | 3.5 | 12.5 |
Source: ABS Census 2016, Customised Report. Highest qualification completed by workers in this job (in any field of study). Qualifications needed by new workers might be different from the qualifications of workers already in the job.
Skills and Knowledge
Employers look for Electrical Distribution Trades Workers who provide good customer service, are polite and courteous and a strong work ethic.
Skills
Skills can be improved through training or experience.
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48%
Critical thinkingThinking about the pros and cons of different ways to solve a problem.
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48%
Operation monitoringWatching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
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48%
RepairingFixing machines or systems.
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48%
TroubleshootingFiguring out why a machine or system went wrong and working out what to do about it.
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46%
Complex problem solvingNoticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it.
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46%
Coordination with othersBeing adaptable and coordinating work with other people.
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46%
Judgment and decision makingFiguring out the pros and cons of different options and choosing the best one.
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46%
MonitoringKeeping track of how well work is progressing so you can make changes or improvements.
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46%
Operation and controlControlling equipment or systems.
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46%
Time managementManaging your own and other peoples' time to get work done.
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45%
Active listeningListening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions.
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45%
Quality control analysisDoing tests and checking products, services, or processes to make sure they are working properly.
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45%
Equipment maintenanceMaintaining equipment and deciding what maintenance will be needed in the future.
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45%
Reading comprehensionReading work related information.
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43%
Active learningBeing able to use what you have learnt to solve problems now and again in the future.
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43%
Management of personnel resourcesMotivating, developing, and directing people as they work, and choosing the best people for the job.
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41%
SpeakingTalking to others.
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41%
InstructingTeaching people how to do something.
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41%
Learning strategiesFiguring out the best way to teach or learn something new.
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41%
Social perceptivenessUnderstanding why people react the way they do.
Knowledge
These are important topics, subjects or knowledge areas.
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65%
Customer and personal serviceUnderstanding customer needs, providing good quality service, and measuring customer satisfaction.
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61%
MechanicalMachines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
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47%
MathematicsArithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, or statistics.
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46%
PhysicsThe physical laws of matter, motion and energy, and how they interact through space and time.
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45%
Administration and managementBusiness principles involved in strategic planning, leadership, and coordinating people and resources.
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45%
Education and trainingCurriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
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39%
Engineering and technologyUse engineering, science and technology to design and produce goods and services.
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39%
English languageEnglish language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
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39%
Public safety and securityUse of equipment, rules and ideas to protect people, data, property, and institutions.
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37%
TelecommunicationsTransmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
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36%
Technical designDesign techniques, tools, and principles used to make detailed technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
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36%
TransportationMoving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road.
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35%
PsychologyHuman behaviour; differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; research methods; assessing and treating disorders.
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34%
Computers and electronicsCircuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
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32%
Building and constructionMaterials, and methods used to construct or repair houses, buildings, or other structures like highways and roads.
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31%
Law and governmentHow our laws and courts work. Government rules and regulations, and the political system.
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30%
ClericalWord processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and other office work.
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29%
Personnel and human resourcesRecruiting and training people, managing pay and other entitlements (like sick leave), and negotiating pay and conditions.
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24%
Medicine and dentistryDiagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities, including preventive health-care measures.
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20%
Communications and mediaMedia production, communication, and dissemination. Includes written, spoken, and visual media.
Abilities
Workers use these physical and mental abilities..
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55%
Near visionSee details that are up-close (within a few feet).
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55%
Oral comprehensionListen to and understand what people say.
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55%
Sorting or orderingOrder or arrange things in a pattern or sequence (e.g., numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
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54%
Multilimb coordinationUse your arms and/or legs at the same time while sitting, standing, or lying down.
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54%
Problem spottingNotice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong, even if you can't solve the problem.
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52%
Control precisionQuickly change the controls of a machine, car, truck or boat.
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52%
Static strengthLift, push, pull, or carry things.
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50%
Finger dexterityPut together small parts with your fingers.
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48%
Manual dexterityQuickly move your hand to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
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48%
Oral expressionCommunicate by speaking.
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48%
Reaction timeQuickly move your hand, finger, or foot when a sound, light, picture or something else appears.
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46%
Arm-hand steadinessKeep your hand or arm steady.
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46%
Colour discriminationNotice differences between colours, including shades of colour and brightness.
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45%
Deductive reasoningUse general rules to find answers or solve problems logically.
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45%
Inductive reasoningUse lots of detailed information to come up with answers or make general rules.
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45%
CategorisingCome up with different ways of grouping things.
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45%
Depth perceptionDecide which thing is closer or further away from you, or decide how far away it is.
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43%
BalanceKeep your balance or stay upright.
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41%
Speech claritySpeak clearly so others can understand you.
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41%
Speech recognitionIdentify and understand the speech of another person.
Activities
These are kinds of activities workers regularly do in this job.
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89%
Handling and moving objectsUsing hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, moving and manipulating objects.
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83%
Controlling equipment or machinesOperating machines or processes either directly or using controls (not including computers or vehicles).
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83%
Communicating within a teamGiving information to co-workers by telephone, in writing, or in person.
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82%
Doing physically active workUse your arms, legs and whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling objects.
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81%
Driving vehicles or equipmentRunning, manoeuvring, navigating, or driving things like forklifts, vehicles, aircraft, or water craft.
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77%
Making decisions and solving problemsUsing information to work out the best solution and solve problems.
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74%
Training and teaching othersUnderstanding the needs of others, developing training programs, and teaching or instructing.
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72%
Working with mechanical equipmentServicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment.
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70%
Coordinating the work of a teamGetting members of a group to work together to finish a task.
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70%
Planning and prioritising workDeciding on goals and putting together a detailed plan to get the work done.
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69%
Monitoring people, processes and thingsChecking objects, actions, or events, and keeping an eye out for problems.
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68%
Checking for errors or defectsInspecting equipment, structures, or materials for errors, problems or defects.
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68%
Checking compliance with standardsDeciding whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
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68%
Guiding and directing staffGuiding and directing staff, including setting and monitoring performance standards.
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67%
Building good relationshipsBuilding good working relationships and keeping them over time.
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67%
Explaining things to peopleHelping people to understand and use information.
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67%
Communicating with the publicGiving information to the public, business or government by telephone, in writing, or in person.
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64%
Documenting or recording informationEntering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
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61%
Looking for changes over timeComparing objects, actions, or events. Looking for differences between them or changes over time.
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53%
Researching and investigatingLooking for, getting and understanding different kinds of information.
Interests and demands
Learn about the daily activities, and physical and social demands faced by workers. Explore the values and work styles that workers rate as most important.
Interests
Interests are the style or type of work we prefer to do. All interest areas are shown below.
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100%
PracticalPractical, hands-on work. Often with plants and animals, or materials like wood, tools, and machinery.
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62%
AnalyticalIdeas and thinking. Searching for facts and figuring out problems in your head.
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57%
AdministrativeFollowing set procedures and routines. Working with numbers and details more than with ideas, usually following rules.
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33%
CreativeWorking with forms, designs and patterns. Often need self-expression and can be done without following rules.
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24%
EnterprisingStarting up and carrying out projects. Leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes require risk taking and often deal with business.
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14%
HelpingWorking with people. Helping or providing service to others.
Values
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90%
SupportSupportive management that stands behind employees. Workers are treated fairly by their company, they are supported by management, and have supervisors who train them well.
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67%
IndependenceWork alone and make decisions. Workers are able to try out their own ideas, make decisions on their own, and work with little or no supervision.
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62%
Working conditionsJob security and good working conditions. There is usually a steady flow of interesting work, and the pay and conditions are generally good.
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52%
RelationshipsServe and work with others. Workers usually get along well with each other, do things to help other people, and are rarely pressured to do things that go against their sense of right and wrong.
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43%
AchievementResults oriented. Workers are able to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment.
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33%
RecognitionAdvancement and the potential to lead. Workers are recognised for the work that they do, they may give directions and instructions to others, and they are looked up to in their company and their community.
Demands
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100%
Face-to-face discussionsTalk with people face-to-face.
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98%
Wear common protective or safety equipmentWear equipment like safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hard hats or life jackets.
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96%
Outdoors, exposed to weatherWork outdoors, exposed to the weather.
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93%
Frequent decision makingFrequently make decisions that impact other people.
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93%
Health and safety of othersTake responsibility for the health and safety of others.
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92%
Work at heightsWork in high places (e.g., on poles, scaffolding, catwalks, or ladders).
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92%
Dangerous conditionsWork near dangers like high voltage electricity, flammable material, explosives or chemicals.
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92%
Loud or uncomfortable soundsBe exposed to noises and sounds that are distracting or uncomfortable.
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90%
TelephoneTalk on the telephone.
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89%
Wear specialized protective or safety equipmentWear equipment like breathing apparatus, safety harness, full protection suits, or radiation protection.
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89%
Being exact or accurateBe very exact or highly accurate.
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85%
Contact with peopleHave contact with people by telephone, face-to-face, or any other way.
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85%
Freedom to make decisionsHave freedom to make decision on your own.
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85%
Dangerous equipmentWork near dangerous equipment like saws, machinery with open moving parts, or moving traffic.
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85%
In an open vehicle or equipmentWork in an open vehicle (e.g., a tractor).
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85%
Impact of decisionsMake decisions that have a large impact on other people.
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84%
TeamworkWork with people in a group or team.
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83%
Very hot or cold temperaturesWork in very hot or cold temperatures.
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81%
Responsible for outcomesTake responsibility for the results of other people's work.
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79%
Minor burns, cuts, bites, or stingsBe exposed to minor burns, cuts, bites, or stings.
O*NET is a trademark of the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration.
The skills and importance ratings on this page are derived from the US Department of Labor O*NET Database Version 21.2, 49-9051.00 - Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers.
Links and downloads
Research and reports
The Skills Priority List provides a current labour market rating and a future demand rating for nearly 800 occupations nationally. Current labour market ratings are available for occupations at a state and territory level.
Downloads
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Occupation profiles data are available for download.
The Employment Projections are available for download.